A Continuum of Male Controls and Violence against Women: A Teaching Model

Abstract

The prevalence and severity of violence against women is a critical issue for social work educators to address. This article describes a teaching model that educators can use to educate social work students and professionals about the widely existing, severe, subtle and overt forms of male controls and violence against women. Forms of male controls and violence against women discussed include: sexist language, gender-biased research, differential treatment, street hassling, sexist media, pornography, sexual harassment, battering, sexual assault, and femicide. Results presented are from an evaluation of a three hour workshop for professionals and from a qualitative analysis of student comments after a weekend class which used this model. Evaluation of this model suggests that participants found the content to be useful and relevant to their social work practice and education. Resource lists are provided to give educators a starting point for learning more about male controls and violence against women.