Opinion
Editorial: Oklahoma men have responsibility in tackling state’s domestic violence
I’d like to hear from you. Email me at editorials@koco.com.
In 2024, Oklahoma law enforcement agencies reported more than 29,000 domestic abuse incidents, involving more than thirty-three thousand victims.
Behind every number, there is a person, a family, and often, children living with the trauma.
I was reminded of this at the YWCA’s “Engaging Men” luncheon last week.
A luncheon targeted toward men and how we can be advocates for reducing domestic violence.
Joe Petito, Gabby’s Petito’s father, who was a victim of domestic violence. Shared his experience with domestic violence, and the responsibility men have to help prevent it.
We can raise sons to respect women by modeling healthy behavior.
Teaching them to value healthy relationships and making clear that control and abuse are never signs of strength.
It also means being an example of respect for the women in our lives, and speaking up when we see behavior that’s not right.
That doesn’t always mean confronting an abuser or putting someone in greater danger.
It can begin with offering support and connecting them with resources to help.
The YWCA of Oklahoma City offers free services, including safety planning, advocacy and emergency shelter.
The 24-hour hotline is 1-800-522-7233.
I’d like to hear from you. Email me at editorials@koco.com.
