Giving Compass' Take:

• Victoria Dinges discusses the need for men and women to step up to support victims of domestic abuse and call out abusers. 

• How can funders work to bring about the type of cultural shift required to decrease domestic abuse? 

• Learn about a project working to support survivors of domestic abuse. 

Domestic violence isn’t a women’s issue; it’s a human rights issue. Men in society are crucial to ending abuse against women. No one wants to imagine their brother or friend would ever abuse his girlfriend, wife, or co-worker. But we need men to be courageous if we are to change things for the better. Speaking openly about abuse helps create a culture where abusers can’t hide in the shadows and where victims feel supported.

In our work at Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, we know that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, regardless of socioeconomic status or race.

Most experience financial abuse, which is present in 99% of domestic violence cases and is one of the main reasons victims are trapped in or return to abusive relationships. Financial abuse includes isolating tactics such as preventing victims from working or accessing bank accounts, credit cards, or transportation. It’s just as effective as a lock and key in controlling a victim – if a woman’s credit is ruined, she can’t get an apartment; if her abuser harasses her at work, she can lose her job. It keeps victims trapped – and often voiceless.

Men in society are crucial to ending abuse against women. Speaking openly about abuse helps create a culture where abusers can’t hide in the shadows and where victims feel supported.

Men can also model healthy relationships. If men become aware of abuse, they should find ways to safely get involved and stand up for victims. They could help save a woman’s life.

Of course, solving this terrible societal issue doesn’t rest with men alone. All of us need to step up. If you know a woman who is trapped in an abusive relationship, be there for her. Support her. Listen to her. It’s estimated that it takes at least seven attempts for a woman to finally leave an abusive relationship.

Read the full article by Victoria Dinges about domestic abuse from the United Nations Foundation.