For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.

T.S Eliot

Makes a lot of sense but looking back on 2023, there has been a refusal to listen to another voice, particularly with the Russia-Ukraine and Gaza-Israel conflicts. Even death and untold suffering doesn’t cut it with the current voices and powers to be, so, what are the new words that will restore peace and harmony, and who will be that new voice in 2024?

I understand the importance of reflecting on the words we use, especially as the year comes to a close. It’s crucial to consider the impact of language both personally and within our communities. One area that merits attention is the language surrounding domestic violence. The current terminology often focuses on physical abuse, which can inadvertently overlook non-physical forms of abuse. This can create a perception that only female individuals can be victims of male physical abuse, potentially leaving male victims underserved and overlooked.

The narrative about domestic violence should acknowledge that men can also be victims. This challenges the idea that only women are victims and may not be popular, but we need to learn about the different aspects of domestic violence, both physical and non-physical abuse to complete the picture. It’s not the same for everyone and male victims deserve to be recognised and encouraged to come forward so we can understand the seriousness of the situation. How many male victims end up as another statistic, like in suicide and homelessness?

Men and boys should feel safe, no shame, or embarrassment in seeking help in a domestic violent situation. Currently, one in three victims of family violence in Australia is male but how many more, really? http://oneinthree.com.au 

The change in language can be as easy as swapping out the word “violence,” which usually refers to physical force, with “abuse,” a term that covers physical, mental, and emotional mistreatment. That seems like a much more inclusive choice of words to me.