Domestic violence month at CSULB criticized by faculty

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Originally uploaded by heraldpost

One expert suggests prevention is key in stopping the violence.

LONG BEACH, Calif. (Oct. 26,2008)--Clotheslines cluttered with hanging T-shirts crowded the lawn space in front of the 49er Bookstore at Cal State Long Beach last week. The shirts which appear to be drying laundry, tell the stories of domestic violence victims.

This exhibit is only part of a month long attempt by the Women's Resource Center to bring awareness and give students a forum to discuss and learn about domestic violence, according to the calender of events posted on the WRC Web site.

While candle light vigils and clotheslined shirts put a face on domestic violence victims, women's studies teacher, Shira Tarrant, said that the impact of these programs fall short of her hopes.

" Because men are responsible for 95 percent of assaults", Tarrant said, "the best way to prevent sexual assault is to rethink masculinity."

Awareness is important but more focus needs to be put towards prevention, Tarrant said. Men are the prominent perpetrators so it makes sense to get them involved, she added.

The exhibits will continue for the remainder of the month, for a calender of events click HERE.