In a world where gender-based violence remains a critical issue. How men overlook violence against women becomes a pressing theme that underscores societal complacency. Despite the widespread impact of violence on women globally, the lack of awareness among men often translates into ignorance or humour around issues of safety and self-defence. This article explores why, for many men, the gravity of violence against women doesn’t hit home, highlighting a vital need for a shift in awareness and empathy.
Men overlook violence against women: The viral clip from The Graham Norton Show
A recent viral clip from The Graham Norton Show has had everyone talking. In case you missed it, Irish actress Saoirse Ronan appeared alongside actors Paul Mescal, Eddie Redmayne, and Denzel Washington. During the show, Eddie shared his experience of learning stunt techniques for his new series, The Day of the Jackal, mentioning a tip he got about using a cell phone as a self-defence weapon to fight violence against women.
Paul Mescal quickly jumped in, making a joke about how he’d never think to reach for his phone in an attack, adding, “Who is actually going to think about that?” He then kept the laughs going by pretending to make a call, saying, “Sorry mom, one second — bang,” which had everyone—Graham, the audience, and the other male guests—bursting into laughter.
The reality check on how men ignore violence against women
Then, Saoirse cut in, interrupting the laughs with a reality check. Women often have to think about self-defence on a regular basis. “That’s what girls have to think about all the time,” she said, immediately silencing all four men as the audience applauded. She followed with, “Am I right, ladies?” making her point loud and clear.
This clip perfectly shows the everyday privilege that men often carry without even realising it. For Eddie and Paul, the idea of using a cell phone as a weapon seemed like a laughable, far-fetched concept. Their first reaction was to treat it as a joke, highlighting how self-defence isn’t something men feel they need to think about seriously or frequently.
The everyday privilege men don’t see
Saoirse’s quick, matter-of-fact interruption sheds light on a reality many women live with daily. For women, self-defence is not a hypothetical or a “just in case” scenario they can afford to laugh off. Her comment reminded them, if only for a moment, to see that what’s lighthearted for men can be a matter of survival for women.
These men on stage have the reputation as “nice guys in Hollywood.” But this particular clip shows the sad truth that even well-meaning men can remain oblivious to the everyday fears women face. They can joke about using phones, keys, purses, or even their footwear as self-defence tools because they don’t carry the same weight of concern. For them, these scenarios are hypothetical. They don’t live with the constant anxiety that comes from being a woman in public spaces.
The silence
The moment Saoirse Ronan made her pointed remark, the smiles on their faces vanished, replaced by an abrupt silence that hung heavy in the room. That silence was deafening. It’s wild that, even in 2024, many people still don’t fully recognise the dangers women face daily, from harassment to violence.
What is even more absurd is that they talked over her twice before she finally raised her voice just to be heard. It took her three tries to get a word in, a relentless push to make space for herself in a conversation that barely had room for her. She didn’t get a chance to speak until she made one. That says it all. The societal tendency to prioritise male perspectives, even when women are present and have valuable contributions to make.
Men overlook violence against women: How men and women face violence differently
One critical fact often overlooked is that men and women are not exposed to the same forms of violence in public spaces. Women are the primary targets of unwanted sexual advances, harassment, abuse, and sexual violence. More than one in five women worry about these issues. In comparison, men experience these problems much less frequently.
When it comes to assessing the severity of these incidents, women and men have different experiences. Less than one-third of men reported experiencing serious sexual harassment or abuse, while 70% of women faced severe sexual harassment or abuse. The difference is even bigger for physical violence. Only about half of men viewed it as serious compared to 78% of women.
These differences show the unequal power dynamics between men and women when it comes to violence. Because men often hold more power in many cultures, they might not recognise or understand the seriousness of violence against women as fully as women do. This imbalance can lead men to downplay the severity of harassment or abuse, while women, who are more directly affected by these issues, view them as serious threats.
Violence against women: One in three women experience violence
Statistics and anecdotal evidence show that violence against women remains a significant global issue and a widespread violation of human rights. Approximately 736 million women (nearly one in three) have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lives. Despite this alarming reality, only 5% of government aid addresses violence against women and girls, and a mere 0.2% focuses on prevention.
A 2018 survey by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, which gathered opinions from 193 United Nations Member States, named India the world’s most dangerous country for women. In 2021, Indian police recorded six million crimes, with 428,278 cases involving crimes against women, a 26.35% increase from 338,954 cases in 2016. The majority of these cases included kidnappings, abductions, rapes, domestic violence, dowry deaths, and assaults. Additionally, 107 women suffered acid attacks, 1,580 women were trafficked, 15 girls were sold, and 2,668 women experienced cybercrimes.
Violence against women, primarily affecting women of particular groups
While gender-based violence can affect anyone, certain groups of women and girls experience a greater risk of violence. Women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex may encounter violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Similarly, migrants and refugees often find themselves more exposed to exploitation and abuse.
Indigenous women and women from ethnic minority backgrounds often encounter systemic discrimination, such as limited access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and legal protections. As a result, these women may find themselves at a higher risk of experiencing violence because their marginalised status can isolate them and reduce their ability to seek help or support.
How men overlook violence against women: The final thoughts
In a world that still struggles with gender equality, Saoirse Ronan’s powerful moment on The Graham Norton Show is a wake-up call. It reminds us that while some can laugh off self-defence, for many women, it’s a grim reality they navigate daily. As long as we let humour overshadow the serious threats women face, we ignore a pressing issue.
We are not suggesting that the male actors and presenters deserve huge backlash for their comments. Absolutely not. But when we consider this incident in context, it reveals something telling about the society we live in right now.
If we genuinely want to change the narrative around violence against women, we need to start listening and acknowledging these uncomfortable truths. Stop pretending that violence against women is just a punchline and start treating it as the serious matter it truly is.
The Changeincontent perspective
At Changeincontent, our mission is to spark meaningful conversations about deep-rooted societal issues like violence against women. This article is a call to action, urging readers to recognise that violence against women is not just a “women’s issue.” By challenging male complacency and fostering dialogue, we can shift perspectives. Moreover, we can advocate for a more empathetic, responsible, and inclusive society. With Changeincontent, we hope to empower every individual to acknowledge their role in creating a safer, more equitable world.
References
- The number of Reported Crimes Against Women Increased by Over 30% Between 2014 & 2022
- Young women in large cities are the main victims of violence in public space.
- UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
- UNFPA Violence Against Women in India
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
