Dear Editor,

The rising cases of violence against women and children have left many of us outraged, heartbroken, and searching for answers. But if we are honest with ourselves, one of the most dangerous root causes has been staring us in the face for generations — the way some men have been conditioned to see women, not as people, but as objects.

In far too many homes, communities, and cultures, women are reduced to their bodies. Some men have been taught, directly or indirectly, that a woman’s value lies only in her ability to provide sexual pleasure or serve domestic roles.

In this warped world view, her feelings, her choices, her autonomy are dismissed. She is not seen as a full human being, but rather a tool, a possession, a thing.

And what happens when an object ‘disobeys’ or refuses to serve its purpose? It is discarded, punished, or destroyed.

This dehumanisation fuels entitlement, and entitlement fuels violence. When a man sees a woman as nothing more than something to conquer or control, he believes he has the right to harm her if she steps outside of those limits. That’s where abuse begins. That’s where femicide begins.

It is heartbreaking, it is enraging, and it is entirely preventable.

The solution begins at home: We must raise our boys to see women as equals not ornaments or outlets for desire, but full, valuable human beings.

We must teach our young men that consent is not optional, and that strength is shown in how you protect and not overpower others.

And we must model this behaviour ourselves as adults. Respect must become the standard, not the exception.

Our homes must become the first schools of emotional intelligence, empathy, and respect.

Fathers, uncles, and brothers, you have a responsibility. Conversations must be had. Toxic attitudes must be corrected. We must show boys how to treat women with kindness, not only when they’re watching, but as a way of life.

Until we change the way boys are raised we will continue to see women objectified and violence justified.

Let us raise men, not just males. Men who value women for their minds, their hearts, and their humanity. Men who uplift, protect, and serve; not dominate and destroy. Because when we see each other as people first, violence has no place to grow.

Javoy Crossman

Youth advocate

javoycrossmanymp@gmail.com