Is violence exclusively a gendered issue?

Posted At : March 4, 2011 8:54 PM | Posted By : One in Three Women
Related Categories: Mental health and violence against women

Stacey Bellem, founder and CEO of the New York-based Unifying Center believes “we will not see a decrease or end in violence against women and children until we begin integrating gendered violence and *mental health theories in our work with victims and offenders (batterers) of abuse in relationships.”

“Violence in relationships is not exclusively a gendered issue; our physical, psychological, socio-cultural and spiritual health and wellness all influence how we may act/react in our relationships,” Bellem shared. “It is an interplay of each of these that may cause someone to act violently toward another.”

“To address, respond and treat this issue more thoroughly, we need to take a more holistic approach in our work that includes the emotional health and healing of all people,” said Bellem.

*“mental health is a resource that each of us needs in order to manage our lives successfully.” Dr. Ken Harland.

Do you share her viewpoint?