Wista Jeanne Johnson ["Abuses and Power," November 14]
reports that misogyny is a strong component of men's violence
against women and must be targeted in prevention programs. I would
like to point out that intimate-partner violence is not perpetrated
solely by men against women. Since the rates of partner violence
are approximately equal in heterosexual and homosexual couples
(about 25 to 33 percent, as reported in the New York City Gay
and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project report mentioned in Johnson's
article), it is important not to limit the causes of domestic
violence to misogyny. Focusing on misogyny as the sole social
cause ignores other factors that lead people to abuse their partners,
such as low self-esteem and having a history of abuse in their
families.
The emphasis on misogyny may also perpetuate the silence surrounding
intimate-partner violence among gays and lesbians. Gay men and
lesbians, as well as transgender people, face incredible hurdles
getting support from many domestic-violence shelters and agencies,
as well as from friends and families who do not believe domestic
violence is a problem for them. A lot of work needs to be done
to prevent intimate-partner violence and to support those in abusive
situations. We can start by stopping the perpetuation of the myth
that misogyny is the sole cause of domestic violence.
Sarah Roberts
Ann Arbor, Michigan