Men’s Responsibility in Combating Violence Against Women: Insights from Jackson Katz’s Latest Work
(Paul Morigi / Getty Images for Vital Voices Global Partnership)
The ongoing issue of violence against women has gained renewed scrutiny under former President Trump’s administration. Amidst recent legislative rollbacks, including dismantled Title IX protections and reduced funding for vital domestic violence services, educator Jackson Katz emerges as a key voice in addressing the responsibility of men in combating gendered violence through his new book, Every Man: Why Violence Against Women Is a Men’s Issue and What You Can Do About It.
Katz, a co-founder of the Mentors in Violence Prevention program, provides practical guidance for men who are willing to take action against violence directed at women. In a conversation about his book, Katz shared insights on the importance of men’s engagement in this critical issue.
The Context of Publication
Katz’s decision to publish Every Man in the U.K. aligns with significant events, particularly the public outcry following Sarah Everard’s murder, which ignited discussions about male responsibility in preventing violence. Katz noted, “After Sarah Everard’s tragic murder, I was contacted by a publisher who wanted to explore what men can do.” He emphasized that this publication marks a historical moment as it is the first major book by a male author dedicated to this topic.
Understanding the Shift in Narrative
Katz insists that the conversation must shift from “violence against women” to “men’s violence against women” to accurately reflect the realities of this issue. “Using direct language highlights the responsibility of the perpetrators — men,” he explains. This rephrasing is crucial in addressing the cultural roots of abuse and refocusing accountability where it belongs.
Beyond Women’s Issue: A Call to Men
While traditionally seen as a women’s problem, Katz argues that gender-based violence is fundamentally a men’s issue. “Men commit the majority of sexual violence, and acknowledging this is vital for prevention,” he asserts. He emphasizes that men can play an active role in dismantling the norms that perpetuate such violence.
The Role of Bystanders
Katz’s work advocates for the importance of bystander intervention in preventing gender-based violence. He pioneered the bystander approach to the Mentors in Violence Prevention program, aiming to empower individuals to challenge abusive behaviors within their communities. “It’s about creating a culture where misogyny is socially unacceptable,” Katz notes.
Practical Steps for Men
In his book, Katz provides actionable steps for men to combat misogyny and violence. He encourages men to leverage their influence within their social circles, speak out against sexist remarks, and question cultural norms that support gender inequality. “Every man has a role to play in addressing this issue, just as all white people have a responsibility in racial justice,” Katz adds.
The Impact of Political Climate
The political climate, particularly during Trump’s administration, has complicated efforts to tackle domestic violence and sexual assault. Katz expresses concern over proposed budget cuts that threaten funding for prevention programs. He highlights, “The rollback of vital services and funding under the current administration leads to a broader societal issue that affects all genders.”
The Importance of Leadership in Male Engagement
Katz argues that addressing gender-based violence must be considered a leadership issue rather than solely a personal responsibility. He calls on men to develop the confidence to speak up and make their positions clear in conversations around misogyny and violence. His forthcoming U.S. publication of Every Man, set for September by Bloomsbury Publishing, aims to inspire a broader dialogue on these pressing issues.
As Katz concludes, “It takes a concerted effort from all men to challenge the systems that uphold gender inequality and violence. Every man has a part to play.” Encouraging action is essential for cultivating a society where women can feel safe and valued.