Open Dialog Regarding Facts and Truth
We are open to correcting any mistakes that we make and will do so promptly if they are identified. We would hope that is true for all others, especially professionals within each area.
There needs to be an open discussion, especially when we are all making decisions based on the facts before us. If those facts are wrong, then it puts in jeapordy our entire decision making process. The above link showcases some examples of myths and “statistics” that are quoted as fact and simply aren’t:
“The history of women’s abuse began over 2,700 years ago in the year 753 BC. It was during the reign of Romulus of Rome that wife abuse was accepted and condoned under the Laws of Chastisement. . . . The laws permitted a man to beat his wife with a rod or switch so long as its circumference was no greater than the girth of the base of the man’s right thumb. The law became commonly know as ‘The Rule of Thumb.’ These laws established a tradition which was perpetuated in English Common Law in most of Europe.”
Where to begin? How about with the fact that Romulus of Rome never existed. He is a figure in Roman mythology–the son of Mars, nursed by a wolf. Problem 2: The phrase “rule of thumb” did not originate with any law about wife beating, nor has anyone ever been able to locate any such law. It is now widely regarded as a myth, even among feminist professors.
Myths do not support arguments.
Zorza also informs readers that “between 20 and 35 percent of women seeking medical care in emergency rooms in America are there because of domestic violence.” Studies by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, indicate that the figure is closer to 1 percent.
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…the Centers for Disease Control statistician Janey Hsiao, who wrote to me that “among ED [Emergency Department] visits made by females, the percent of having physical abuse by spouse or partner is 0.02 percent in 2003 and 0.01 percent in 2005.”
And the data does not support the myths. Is domestic violence a problem? Yes. Is this the correct way to deal with it? Not.
Lastly, the author of this piece has been repeatedly attacked for pointing out the inaccuracies in the books and papers she has reviewed. Her attackers are neither intellectually honest or sincere. They are simply out to further their agenda. Their behaviour does not create a dynamic open culture it hurts it.