I'm really glad Courtney wrote an article on this topic---I do dating violence prevention work in a large metropolitan area and my colleagues and I ensure that we deliver our presentations from a feminist (which in my book encompasses anti-oppression) perspective, and we don't mince words on statistics about who is generally responsible for the violence perpetrated in relationships.

The problem remains, however, that despite awesome programs like The Masculinity Project, there are comparatively few men involved in the anti-violence (especially the anti-domestic/sexual violence) movement. My efforts to involve men in this work have been continually impeded by lack of interest/willingness to volunteer. I understand the intimidation factor that exists, but geez, to quote the recent community post made by la fabuliste, "we have forgotten that we belong to one another".

And unfortunately, to many young men, my words mean very little because I have much less cultural authority than my male counterparts. Some I do reach, because I can see it in their actions and hear it in their words, but others are too entrenched in what Courtney called the "enduring tradition of macho behavior" to pay attention to what I am saying.

I hope that, despite the negative way in which dating violence prevention is currently being pursued in some areas, more awareness will give feminist programs a chance to get into schools and teach all genders about the dangers of violence and the importance of accountability.

I thought people have given up on the biological/hormonal theory of rape and violence (particular against woman). Unfortunately they haven't. It is time that we end the thought that rape/violence is a part of life. It can end, though the emphasis on prevention has to be on men. (This includes gays and people in transition too). We need to realize that violence can be stopped, and since males are the victimizers, only they can make the real changes.

I thought people have given up on the biological/hormonal theory of rape and violence (particular against woman). Unfortunately they haven't. It is time that we end the thought that rape/violence is a part of life. It can end, though the emphasis on prevention has to be on men. (This includes gays and people in transition too). We need to realize that violence can be stopped, and since males are the victimizers, only they can make the real changes.