Dating Violence On The Rise

According to Statistics Canada, dating violence — verbal and physical abuse — is on the rise.

Most of the data from the new report comes from urban centres across Canada and they reveal a startling trend. Rates of violence doubled between 2004 and 2010, increasing from 8500 to more than 17,000 police reports. Exes committed 57 percent of the violent acts and dating violence is now more common than spousal abuse. Young women are at their highest risk for violence in their late 20s and early 30s, and for men, between the ages of 35-44.

Experts warn that there has been a shift in dating rituals and rites of courtship have become skewed. For some, it is now acceptable to pursue a love interest aggressively, because it shows “devotion.” Since when did stalking and harassment become romantic? It makes my stomach turn.

There are also more expectations for both sexes in relationships due to peer pressure and the media. This is especially true among women, who are often into performing sex acts that don’t bring them much pleasure to please their partners.

Women and their bodies are objectified to the point that a woman is no more than a stage prop. We are expected to look like Barbie, behave like a nun, and fuck like a dominatrix. Something is horribly wrong with this image.

This increase in violence is alarming. Violence has become more commonplace and has lost its shock value; it is having serious side effects on people’s relationships. We are surrounded by images of violence, so we are conditioned to accept it as a normal part of life.

I hope it is not too late to reverse these statistics. Both men and women shouldn’t be afraid of their partners. Another pressing issue is that this data could only be drawn from reported cases, and every year thousands of Canadians keep silent about abuse. Victims shouldn’t be afraid to seek help — regardless of their gender.

Contact the author here: kait@morningquickie.com