I think Truth1's comment may have been misinterpreted by myself and others. After a one-on-one discussion with Truth, I beleive the concern was with the fact that abuse happens to both men and women, and yet the emphasis is placed on women in this event. Thanks Truth for clarifying for us. I respect you now that I understand and glad we reached out to one another.

I agreed with all your posts, but I also said that domestic violence is a learned behavior just like you have stated. I take no offense, I know I sound naive, but I lived it and continue to advocate for NO more of this to happen.

scooter47...I have to agree with gazettefan on the fact that this issue is just more complex than most realize. Yes, of course there are many "predispositions" to the whole spectrum of the DV cycle. The affects of a mere witnessing of something like this reaches out like branches on a tree. The point I'm trying to make is that from a child witnessing, a violent act upon a loved one at a young age can change a male or female child's whole view of a loving relationship and that can grow and transfer in so many diverse ways through many generations. It's not just as obvious as it may always seem.

Abusers tend to come from abusive situations as well as the spouse at the other end. Growing in that environment can lead a person either way in their life. It starts in the mind before a child understands or is capable of comprehending it.

Again, all of this discussion of the issue being publicly addressed is crucial and I'm so pleased to see it. Maybe more will start really trying to begin to fully understand and take the first step to end this. That's why I am here. I have allowed this cycle to continue in my children's lives and I am doing what I can to bring awareness to them every way I can.
If an "accused abuser" ends up stating a case on here, that too maybe a helpful tool for both ends involved.
I'm attempting to end the silence in my life. A silence that has affected too many to mention.
Thank you to all who support this cause!

Truth1 - Even your posts are abusive against other posters. Like I always say; Sticks and stones my friend, sticks and stones.

scooter...., you only understood approximately half of garyprimer's comment. Though you may have redeemed yourself in another part of your post.

Domestic violence affects everyone...the minority of the group would be the male victims. It's a never ending cycle; both male and female children should be taught and shown that it is not right to hit or belittle someone.

Truth1, you didn't say anyone deserved it, you said they ask for it in your own terms which are now gone! Of course it is not just a male to female issue, if a man abuses his wife, he most likely also abuses his children. Hold on don't start slinging yet. He may not hit them as he does his wife, but the children see this abuse and it abuses them mentally. Garyprimer, you hit it on the head with that statement. I was abused but it was not genetic with me, it was genetic with my ex husband. After our marriage ended he continued (and still does) abuse all the other women he dated or married. P.S. truth1, I did not suggest removal of your first post. This article could become a very diverse and interesting one in the long run and maybe, just maybe, an abuser reading these posts will think twice before striking out!

We have a responsibility to resist certain genetic demands, but sometimes it's not politically correct to say so.

Three generations of domestic violence. Makes you wonder if there is a genetic predisposition to seek out bad relationships.

It looks like Mike Sheridan showed up just in time to congratulate Bill Truman on his walking, I hope he will be as good hearted after Bill wins the assembly seat from him in November.

I didn't get a chance to actually view the original post by truth1 on this article but from the responses I read after I gathered enough to say Thank You to all who responded in a kind and rational manner to a person who obviously has views of people who tend to either condone or participate in these crimes against ones they say they love.
I make this statement only from direct exposure to that lifestyle and being a recent survivor with my children, I thank you all!
The awareness of this issue is so crucial in every area. Our area alone I see in the paper too often "accused" perpetrators of severe violence to their partners. As I follow the cases it saddens me to see how many of these offenses get lessened to menial charges and even less consequences thus enhancing our dangerous situation.
The cycle awareness is key! I have known of it in my personal history for over 3 generations now.
I applaud every person who put on those heels and walked that day!!

'Incumbent Mike Sheridan also showed up, but only after the hard part—walking in heels—was finished.'

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Did he give a reason for not participating? Did he just show up at the end to look for votes?

ladulce-I was very happy to hear you chime in on this one. As you know, we live up north now, but I try to keep up with what's going on in Janesville through the Gazette and the blogs. I have been looking forward to this article. I was encouraged to read that people are bringing their children to walk in this. The best way to stop DV is knowledge and awareness. Our kids have to know that it is NEVER ok to hit or to be hit. That they have the RIGHT to always feel safe. Even as adults. That no matter what choices they may make in life, good or bad, they don't deserve to be abused. THAT'S what this walk is about. For all of your fighting truth1, you ARE aware now. And that's the point!

EXCELLENT, Evansvillehousewife! I forgot about that current fundraiser.

Truth1,
The CASA organization is working to raise awareness for their current grant loss.
They are also working to get donations of children's shoes to represent the children currently in foster care.
Soo, are you going to be out buying a pair of sneakers in the AM?

of course it's not "only" any single group that is responsible; however, the VAST majority of family violence victims are the female partners. Next is the children. The reality is that the family violence cycle perpetuates itself from one generation to the next. At some point, people should stand together and walk a mile in her shoes to make a statement that family violence is NOT ok. I think that this is exactly what the goal of this event is, truth1.

One of the points I was trying to make is that domestic violence is not only an adult male perpetrator/ female victim thing,VERY FAR from it, but this "event" CLEARLY tries to make it appear that way which is a disservice to all truly concerned about family violence.
Thats my point and this is my last comment on this article.

truth1, Peace.

ok, so I didn't capitalize it, sorry, I don't capital mine,...forget it.

every community issue has awareness events and this event happens to be coordinated to bring awareness about the issue of domestic violence. There is a very strong need to bring awareness of DV to our community, so I don't understand why you would disagree, truth1, or try to take the focus off of this need.

Every year (as a matter of fact, last month) there is a fundraiser for the CARE House and the focus is to bring awareness about child maltreatment to our community. Did you show up for that truth1? Donate? help coordinate?

truth1, I was returning the disrespect that you showed for my blog name. Maybe you can figure it out. Maybe not.
You have already expressed your shallow comments so let it go.

"truthless".....yet another shallow attack?...okayyyy, whatever.

I merely brought up a situation, I'm not going to get into a "what I'm doing" discussion.

And I once again ask you truthless1, What are YOU doing about it? It’s your complaint. Give us a solution.

truth- April is child abuse prevention month and there are a myriad of activities that take place here. You could volunteer to be on the "Week of the Young Child" committee. There are events- such as lighting of candles on Main Street near the library to symbolize the children that are abused in Rock COunty. There are displays in the courthouse yard, and, day cares and others within the community work hard to put together "awareness" events. Yes, it doesn't always get as much attention as this event, but, any attention to any thing that needs to be changed is good. THere are lots of issues out there. Instead of fighting over which is more worthy cause- AIDS or Cancer- let's be happy to donate to both- just like this. Both causes are worthy of attention. Belittling one is NOT helping the other.

Well, bostonbill, I could ask you the same question, but thats not what I referred to...I was asking WHERE are all the regular, periodic public events against the murder and severe abuse of children?

truth1 wrote, "Violence against children is actually a larger problem but I don't see a similar annual event for that..Why is that?"

What are YOU doing about it?

TJ- I see from this and other posts you've made that you're quite the shallow thinker and I certainly don't need the respect of such a person as you.
To you and other shallow thinkers: I've never in my life hit a female nor would I advocate it..There is much more to the prevention of violence against women and children than "events" like this portray and I see it as an insult to most real victims.
Violence against children is actually a larger problem but I don't see a similar annual event for that..Why is that?

Ladulce, gmaof3, TJRockCounty, Clark_Kent and scooter47, I applaud you.

Truth/ That's exactly the attitude and belief of an abuser. I've lost all respect for you from here on.

truth1, your attempt to be flippant has fallen on deaf ears here.
ladulce, ABSOLUTELY... it takes effort on both parties to be in a relationship. But to turn to violence... is sick.

Short story... when our children were little, my husband's son hit his sister out of anger, HARD. My husband came TOTALLY unglued all over his 5 year old son. "You never EVER strike a girl!" Now a 5 year old child is simply losing control of a frustration they are not old enough to know how to handle.

An adult male though, is simply showing his insecurities and cowardice by striking a woman. It ALL comes down to how boys are brought up... Boys will be boys... but men should KNOW better!

I can't believe Knox ran in heels... Hello shin splints!

Ladulce: Thank you.

truth1- this is very simple. As easily as I explain it to my children: A woman should never hit a man out of anger. Any self-respecting man should walk away (hopefully permanently) from the situation if it should occur. However, a man should NEVER EVER hit a woman and any man that does so is simply NOT a man. There is no "she initiated it" crap. If you can't walk away (knowing that you are the bigger and stronger sex), then, you are a poor excuse for a man and a human being, and, IMO unworthy of existence.

Where did I say anyone "deserved it"???..Neither women, nor men, nor CHILDREN "deserve it".

scooter- Thats just a nonsensical question.

How can a woman INITIATE domestic violence? That is just a wrong statement truth1. Believe me, I was one of those women. I do not believe I or any other woman deserves to be hit or choked just because their "better half" (ha,ha) think it's the manly thing to do!!!

truth- It's exactly that kind of "She deserved it" mentality that creates the need for programs that support it's victims. My compliments to the YWCA and these men for the statement they made that this behavior will not be tolerated.