The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Crisis Centre Director Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson is not surprised by the conclusions of a new College of the Bahamas study showing that 58 per cent of high school boys in a recent survey believe men should discipline their female partners.

The study also revealed that 49 per cent of boys surveyed believe women should ask permission from their male partners if they want to go out while 46 per cent of boys believed wives must have sex when her husband wants to.

Many have expressed shock and concern about the findings since The Tribune reported on the study, which is in the latest edition of the International Journal of Bahamian Studies.

However, Dr Patterson said the study’s results are in line with her expectations, adding that they reflect this culture’s belief system.

“Our culture condones men and boys being in control in their relationships,” she said. “The man is to be the leader, the man is to be the head and women are to be passive. If you see the reaction we’re getting to changes in the Constitution as it relates to gender then the results shouldn’t be surprising. It’s just the whole patriarchy thing, a message that has gone to women throughout the centuries. Up until the earlier part of the 20th Century it was even okay for men to beat women so long as the instrument used to beat her was no thicker than the thumb. There’s a history as to why domestic violence has been so accepted.”

Dr Patterson emphasised that young people should not be blamed or criticised for their “regressive” views, as they reflect the views of society more generally.

“That blame game doesn’t work,” she said. “These students are reflecting what they learn, what they’re living with and whatever they’re thinking is coming from us.”

She added: “I always see these opportunities as teachable moments for us to talk to people in the community about the messages we are giving. It’s an opportunity to continue to dialogue. Power in violence and sexual assault comes from denial, shame, blame and victimisation. Only when you name the behaviours that are toxic can you get to make a difference.”

One thousand students from grades 10 to 12 from eight schools, including one private school, participated in COB’s study which was conducted by members of the Crisis Centre and COB’s academic community.

The study was an investigation into teen perspectives on relationships between the sexes and the prevalence of violence within teen relationships.

The study concluded that a large number of teens can be expected to be victims of controlling behaviour.

It added that modifying the attitudes of children with regard to interpersonal relationships may be important in reducing long-term violence in the country.

Amid questions about the credibility of the study, Dr Patterson said yesterday: “The fact that we had over 1,000 people responding gives us inferences we could draw on as to the thinking of children.

“The fact is the tolerance we have towards violence is reflected in the answers a lot of children gave.”

To help enforce key ideas in young people, the Bahamas Crisis Centre has taken its education campaign into high schools throughout the country.

However, Dr Patterson noted that conducting an awareness campaign for adults is equally as important.

“This is an opportunity for us to talk about what it means to be a man,” she added. “What are the qualities you would want to see in a man or a woman?”