In celebration of International Women’s Day in March, this space is dedicated to those women who have influenced my life. This includes my wife, daughters, granddaughters, mother, mother-in-law, sister, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, co-workers, teachers, students, friends, lawyers, doctors, store clerks, our female mailman and many others.

The Problem

While reflecting on a lifetime of contacts with people of the feminine persuasion, two admonitions came to mind from early childhood. My mother said "Don't tickle girls because they will have an accident." My father said "Don't ever hit a girl."

I tickled girls as often as I could in hopes of seeing what kind of accident they would have. They all disappointed me, none more than the one who bloodied my nose.

No consequences were promised for the second directive so there was no reason to hit girls, and no interest in the subject until in 1988 when I became aware of a co-worker's problem.

Our church provided meals to a women's shelter and my wife was part of that effort. After her death, I continued that tradition and became more aware of the domestic violence problem.

The American Medical Association estimates that American women face a 20 to 30 percent lifetime chance of battery. Domestic violence is the most common form of serious injury in women and happens to all ages, races, religions, incomes, educational levels and sexual orientations. It even accounts for more than 50 percent of female homicides.

If the problem is this great in the USA, how big is it where there is no democracy or rule of law? See "Domestic Violence".

The Solution

Solutions are as varied as the problems. It could involve counseling, shelter or legal remedies. Contact an agency near you. Talk to a doctor or clergy person. Don't stay in an abusive situation.

If you are abused GET HELP

If you are an abuser GET HELP

For more information see "Domestic Violence" where there are almost 100 links to experts in this field.

Thanks to all the women that have been and continue to be wise council and good friends. In many ways, you just can't beat a woman.

 - David Jackson