There is no epidemic of violence against woman. There as always been violence in our society. Melbourne, where I live is a much safer city. When I grew up, suburbs like Collingwood,Footscray and Fitzroy were 'no go' areas in the evening, now they have been gentrified and relatively safe. Attending a football match, with its attendent excess drinking, was a much more violent pastime. And, of course, we are more likely to see violent images through our TV screens.
What has changed is not the incidence of violence against women, but the rising tide of illicit drug abuse, which can result in violence against men and women. And of course the stupid decision by our State Government (Labor, of course under the unlamented Joan Kirner) to extend Liquor trading hours in the Melbourne CBD and King Street areas in particular. Remove these areas from the stats and I am sure we would get a very different picture indeed.
Remember the old adage 'Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics'.
