The Lead Superintendent Raj Kohli who is a former Met Chief Supt of 29 years challenged a question on Twitter when he tweeted “Great to meet PC Michelle Harris who is beginning some great work in addressing male violence against women and girls in Winchester.
The question was asked by a responder “Genuine q. Do you have a lead officer for female violence against men?”
Chief Supt Kohli responded stating;
“Be honest. It is not really a genuine question, is it? It might be worth you asking your female friends & relatives about how many of them carry keys in their hand when walking home, amending when and where they walk, texting friends about getting home safely, about their concerns about walking past groups of men.
Or the stats which show women are hugely disproportionately likely to be victims of sexual assault, victims of domestic abuse or sexual harassment.
Men are NOT afraid of women. Men are NOT targeted by women, simply for being women. When was the last time a man was abducted by a woman he doesn’t know? You don’t need me (a man) to explain the experiences of women- ask them.
But as a man, I have a responsibility for accepting that men need to own their role in this. Y’day was the 20th anniversary of the abduction & death of Milly Dowler at the hands of a man who targeted women. Milly is sadly yet another female who has died simply for being a woman. So, back to your point, – not a genuine question at all.”
Supt Kholi is an advocate for equality for Women and Men across Hampshire, often attending events and meetings speaking out against the disadvantages for women in today’s society.
The platform Reducing the Risk looks at the question “Is it different for men?
They say;
“There are both similarities and differences for men and women who are experiencing domestic abuse. Being abused by somebody you love and trust can be confusing and bewildering, and any victim whether male or female may wonder if it’s their fault. The emotions they feel are going to be similar, but it can be harder for men to cope with the emotional impact of domestic abuse.
Admitting to being abused is difficult for anybody, but men often don’t have the social and support networks in place to easily tell a friend or family member. These topics are difficult for anybody to raise or disclose, but in particular, men may not have friendships and relationships in which they can open up and talk about their personal lives. Phone lines, like the Men’s Advice Line, will give them the opportunity to talk in confidence.
For all victims of abuse, the message is the same:
You are not alone.
It is not your fault.
Help is available.”
Support services are available for victims of violence and some are listed here:
Victim Support – Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Phone: 0808 1689 111 – 24/7
Victim and Witness Information – Website: www.victimandwitnessinformation.org.uk
Women’s Aid – Victims First – Website: www.victims-first.org.uk
Phone: 0300 1234 148
Revenge Porn Helpline – Website: https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/
Email: [email protected]
