NCJ Number
145415
Journal
International Review of Victimology Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: 157-168
Date Published
1992
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses patterns of male violence against Canadian women, the limitations of the crime-prevention advice given women in the Solicitor General's pamphlet "Woman Alone," and ways in which the government can better guide women in crime-prevention behaviors.
Abstract
Canadian research shows that most interpersonal violent crimes against Canadian women are committed by male intimates. In "Woman Alone," however, the Solicitor General chooses to focus on ways that women can protect themselves against crime by strangers. This pamphlet also implicitly blames women for their victimization by placing on them the burden of avoiding various attacks by men. No attention is given to the structural, social psychological, and psychological factors that influence men to abuse women. Women are most in need of guidance for dealing with threats in abusive intimate relationships and with sexual harassment in a variety of contexts. It may be that "Woman Alone" is the product of a government agency that has defined its crime-prevention role too narrowly. Other Canadian agencies, such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Family Violence Prevention Division, address the threat to women of domestic violence. Government agencies entrusted with the responsibility for improving the safety of women in Canadian society should develop and coordinate a comprehensive strategy that addresses protective measures for women, particularly in those situations where they are most at risk of victimization. 9 notes and 51 references