The Big Picture: 'Mild Mannered' Attempted Murderer

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

'Mild Mannered' Attempted Murderer

The UK Press Association describes Brian Gibbs as "mild mannered".

The judge trying the case told Mr. Gibbs that his attack did have an explanation. "Your anger and your jealousy at her infidelity and your fear of losing her no doubt caused acute stress for you and led you to committing this offence. You are normally a quiet, non-violent, hard-working family man. This is a sad case and you acted completely out of character."

Yet Mr. Gibbs was on trial for pushing his wife down a flight of stairs and stabbing her in the neck with a pair of scissors.

Let us spell it out once again: Most people, when getting divorced or learning of their spouse's infidelity, do not attempt to kill their partners or even send them to the hospital. Many get angry. Many feel hurt. But most "mild mannered" people don't react with this degree of violence. Please, media, stop making excuses for batterers and help us find a solution.

1 comment:

Unknown said...: I would like to push him down a flight of stairs. Gently, of course...; June 9, 2009 at 4:28 PM

Post a Comment

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is the establishment of control and fear in a relationship through physical, sexual, emotional, and/or financial abuse. Both men and women are capable of misusing power and perpetrating violence, and male victims are often just as afraid to call the police. More resources for female survivors exist, however, because overwhelmingly women and children suffer the most severe consequences (medical, legal, social, and financial) and therefore require the most intensive interventions.

Many women choose to stay in abusive relationships because they do not want their relationship to end...just the violence. Women often remain in, or return to, abusive relationships because their partners threaten to harm them and their loved ones if they attempt to leave. Commonly, women choose to leave when they become convinced that their life is at risk, or that their children are in danger.

Domestic violence is not just a "family matter". The violence will not stop until men and women come together with a common attitude of non-tolerance. We must speak out for those who may not feel safe speaking up, and our children must learn through our words and example that violence is never justified.