When discussing my work in supporting survivors of domestic violence, I am often asked the questions, “Why does she stay?” or “Was she abused as a child?” It is rare that I am asked, “Why does he abuse?” It is even more uncommon that the question posed is, “Why do men assault those who are closest to them?” If social and cultural linkages are made to domestic violence, they are usually made about “other” cultures, non-white cultures that, because of racism, are identified as more oppressive than the dominant U.S. culture. In this TED Talk, Jackson Katz deconstructs how U.S mainstream culture has taken a systemic product of sexism – domestic violence — and reduced it to a “woman’s issue.” He challenges us to identify domestic violence for what it is — gender oppression. He points out how it is detrimental to all of us and challenges us to take a bold stance to create a new cultural paradigm.
By Michelle Lifton
Michelle created Project DVORA for JFS in 1999 and has been the Director since its inception. She works with survivors of domestic violence, providing direct services to families, community outreach and education, consultation, and program development. Michelle holds a Masters of Science in Women’s Studies.
