DV DISCUSSION: Show respect and you’ll get it back

WHAT is it with blokes who think that it demonstrates "being strong" to slap a woman around? A really strong man is one who can keep his temper, and refuse to lay a hand on a female. Punching or slapping is a sign of weakness. Can't you accept that?

And why do some blokes think that the woman in their life is a possession? You can treat your car, or your lawn mower, or your television remote control as a possession, but the woman in your life is a flesh and blood human being with feelings and emotions and, given a chance, a mind of her own.

And, if your woman leaves you, she is not a possession you must get back - she has left for good reason, and getting her back is not going to make her love or respect you.

As for being jealous and over possessive, this is the guaranteed best way to show that you mistrust her, and cause a serious breach in your relationship.

Don't you realise that if you treat her with respect, there is a good chance you will get respect in return?

Treat her with scorn, and that's what you'll get in response.

And if you have kids, what sort of lesson are you giving them if you resort to violence?

They are hardly going to love or respect you more.

Have you ever thought through your actions? How much satisfaction is there in seeing a woman, or kids, cowering in fear of you? Does that make you feel proud?

Just imagine having a big, burly bloke living in the same house with you and he thumps you every time it suits him. Wouldn't like that, would you? Why would any woman, or child, be any different from you?

A word to those women who dominate their husbands.

What right do you have to constantly criticise or nag them?

What do you think you are achieving?

In effect, you are white-anting your relationship.

You too need to learn the lesson of respect and tolerance.

If only those men, or those women, who think that violence, or browbeating, is the way to act could try talking nicely, as mature adult human beings instead, everybody would be better off. Want to give it a try?

A.Bambrick

North Rockhampton