For decades now, Newfoundland and Labrador women have been raising awareness and “fighting back” — figuratively and literally, against all forms of violence perpetrated against them by some men.
Despite the decades of incredible work by women, the problem of men harassing and abusing women — across the globe and in Newfoundland and Labrador — appears to be hitting new lows in terms of some men’s bad behaviour and the number of victims, silent and/or speaking out.
Everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador must surely believe that someone has to do something to stop what is happening to women, our mothers, partners, sisters, daughters, nieces, wives, cousins, grandchildren and friends.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, we have seen too many situations of this bad behaviour by men that have led to the worst outcome of male abuse on women — the actual deaths of women.
Therefore, I think it is long past due that all Newfoundland and Labrador men now take the lead and own the problem of violence against women, determine strategies to reach out to one another, support one another in our collective efforts as men to stop all harassment and abuse of women. As it is by far men who harass and abuse women, men must now lead the way for other men to follow in order to stop this bad behaviour by our fellow men.
Therefore, recently, two Newfoundland and Labrador men, one straight businessman and one gay former social worker and community advocate — the latter is this writer — have come together in cyberspace to begin the work with other Newfoundland and Labrador men, to “move this mountain” of violence and bad behaviour by men so that all women are safe(r).
The two of us men who have come together will start to spread the word personally and via social media, that two Newfoundland and Labrador men, in the spirit of brotherhood, want to work with all Newfoundland and Labrador men to start the process of doing better for the women in our lives and communities. In this process we will identify Newfoundland and Labrador men who want to take a core leadership role and be part of an N.L. steering committee to guide our collective work to stop all harassment and violence toward women.
We have also advised, in writing, the appropriate political representatives and ministers of this work as yes, resources — existing or otherwise — will be required to do all the work.
Everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador must surely believe that someone has to do something to stop what is happening to women, our mothers, partners, sisters, daughters, nieces, wives, cousins, grandchildren and friends.
Our Facebook page is: Together NL Men STOP Harassment and Violence Toward NL Women.
Geoff Chaulk
St John’s
