Re: Photos of teen’s rape by gang go viral on Internet, Sept. 17

By Michael Harris

As a man, I am deeply disturbed that the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl by seven young men could take place and be recorded and shared with others on Facebook. What is taking place in our society that would make these young males think of drugging and raping the girl, recording the incident and making it public? What is going on in their networks of family and friends to encourage such actions? What type of video games and music are they accessing? Are they heavily into porn? What experiences have they had, individually or collectively, to let them believe their debasing behaviour is in any way acceptable?

As for the girl, I am concerned that she will suffer long-lasting emotional and spiritual damage. How does she go on with her life and keep trusting in her spiritual beliefs? When will she ever trust the company of men again? I pray for her complete recovery.

Our women and children are sacred. The courts and the federal and provincial governments need to work together to make laws with heavy penalties that will deter people from behaving this way. All of our governments, school boards and community councils — and, indeed, all of our spiritual and religious circles — must develop programs that will encourage our youth to respect and protect our life-givers and children.

Michael Harris

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/letters/Sick+sexual+assault+reflection+society+ills/3554370/story.html

Violence Against Women in Our Society is an Epidemic

by Troy Westwood

I need to be careful with this, but it’s something I feel very strongly about. Today in the paper is another story of a vicious attack on a woman by a man and a sentence that is tragic. The father of the girl who was attacked is outraged by the sentence and where it is being served. I can’t imagine his emotions. I don’t know what I would do as a father in that situation.

Violence against women in our society is an epidemic.

It’s everywhere and occurring often. As a man, I say sorry to the women who are in anyway affected by violence. As a man, it is up to me to try to change the environment that exists for far too many of the women in society. Every single day I am around situations in the city where violence is a part of the equation of every day life for women. The presence of violence is abundant, the potential for violence around every corner. So many women being affected, so many moms, so many kids. The trickle down affect of violence and how it plays out in the world around us is immeasurable.

Violence against women is not a women’s issue. Women are the victims. Violence against women is a man’s issue, and it’s up to us as men to put an end to it. There are all kinds of reasons as to why a man might impose violence on a woman. None of the reasons are acceptable. It is something that should never happen. As a man when I see it happen, when I think it might happen, I must speak up. If we as men do not play an active role in declaring war on all forms of violence against women, and choose to sit quietly, then in our silence we are contributing to the problem.

Troy Westwood – Little Hawk

Troy Westwood is known for many things and in no specific order, some of his accomplishments include a 17 year professional football career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in which he amassed an amazing total of 30 career team records and is the all-time leader in Blue Bomber scoring. Troy retired as the leader in playoff field goal percentage in CFL history.

He is currently working as a Case Manager at Family Connections, a family reunification program in Winnipeg along with his weekday morning role as Co-Host of the QX104’s Waking Crew.

Troy remains active in the community as a Board Member of Nova House, a women’s shelter and place of safety in Selkirk as well as serving on the Board of the Manitoba Children’s Museum.