Clare Johnston
Among some men, there still seems to be a blindness to our humanity
WITH a female Prime Minister and First Minister and countless initiatives aimed at improving representation at the highest levels of industry, women should finally expect equality.
Yet the release of crime figures showing the number of sexual offences reported to the police in Scotland has reached its highest recorded level suggests otherwise.
More than 10,800 sex crimes were recorded last year, an increase of five per cent on the previous year. This can partially be attributed to more women reporting historical offences, having seen convictions secured in a string of high-profile cases.
Some of it too might be an increasing awareness of what a sex crime actually is, as well as confidence among women in their right to be protected from assault.
But, further stats suggesting fewer than one in five Scots who believe they’ve been raped actually report it is a depressing indication the crime is more common than we think.
Among some men, there still seems to be a blindness to our humanity. Somehow, in their eyes, we will always hold a lesser status that excuses, even justifies, their actions.
There are those, too, who control and abuse their partners, using threats and violence to keep them in line. Psychologists say abusers have both a lack of empathy for and a sense of entitlement over their partner that causes them to lash out.
And doesn’t that go hand in hand with sexual violence? Surely that must too be caused by a disconnect when it comes to how some men view women.
The death of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner last week inspired an outpouring of grief and
tributes, including from civil rights campaigner Rev Jesse Jackson who said he was a “strong supporter” of the movement. He was described as an advocate of free speech and sexual freedom – but I can’t believe there was much of that at the Playboy mansion where girlfriends were paid a weekly allowance. Yes, this was a choice for them and many have paid tribute in recent days. But his “No1 girlfriend” for seven years, Holly Madison, spoke of a “dark side” to life with Hefner. She said: “He liked to play favourites to keep everyone on their toes. How else could he stay in control of seven women?” Control should never be a factor in any relationship – and that includes an arrangement between an old man and a young naive woman. I can’t shed a tear for Hefner but I can for those often vulnernable individuals – male and female – who find themselves in the grip of someone who wants to show them who’s boss.