November 25th though December 11th of every year has been designated by the United Nations as the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence”, and it is observed around the world as such by many individuals from all walks of life, all genders, all ethnicities and nationalities. As one of the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (#5), this issue has become a global cry for some of us, and not just during the 16 Days, but year ‘round.
The idea of actual “Gender Based Violence” has been redefined over the past few years to mean not only violence of a sexual nature perpetrated against one to another, but also violence of a mental, emotional, character assassination, verbal abuse, and of course physical abuse. It also bridges the divide in its understanding that such actions also include Intimate Partner Violence (I.P.V.), which are violence of a sexual nature perpetrated upon the victim by an intimate or significant other, (girlfriend/boyfriend, spouse, etc.) someone that you are currently sleeping with. The new understanding of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is violence of a sexual (or other) nature perpetrated agaist the victim by someone that they know, like a relative, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone in a position of authority etc., and more often than not occurs more frequently than I.P.V.
Studies may show that the catalyst for the execution of such heinous crimes may vary, the RESULTS to the victim are ALWAYS the same: loss of dignity, loss of self confidence, emotional and mental trauma, physical trauma, and sadly in some cases, the loss of life. Although this issue is widespread, there are many organizations that deal with not only the front-line aftermath of G.B.V. and Domestic Violence towards the victim, but their continuing care and restoration, as well. As a necessary community partner of the front-line service providers in my area, I’ve dedicated the community outreach of my organization, the International Gung Fu and Healing Centres, Worldwide (U.S.A./CARIBBEAN/AFRICA) to the fight against the eradication of G.B.V. and Domestic Violence in our areas. Even here in Botswana, community partners like Molao Matters, Men and Boys for Gender Equality, Ratong Women’s Centre, our very own The Tiny Tassel consulting, and many others welcome the assistance on the battlefield in this ongoing fight against G.B.V. To all of the men reading this…If you know it’s happening amongst your peers and friends, call it out for what it is! Don’t be silent! In doing so, you become just as guilty as the perpetrator! Mentor a young boy, whether he be your own, or one that is in need of a father-figure! Be part of the “village that it takes to raise a child”! Become the change and difference that you want to see, and become like me, on the battlefield ALL 365 days of the year! To get involved, contact the shelters, psycho-social conselors, and community advocates in your area, and help us all make a difference.
Next week, back to our “regularly scheduled programming”, so to speak. This has been Grandmaster Scott, wishing you Harmony Within and Without until then…
With Honor, Tolerance, and Respect
Laoshi E.J. Scott, Grandmaster
Team Tiny Tassel
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