The language used during a violent attack Male violence against women is perhaps the most disturbing form of sexism in our society. A number of cultural factors contribute to the particularly high incidence of male violence against women. In some rare cases, men's violence can be attributed to mental illness or physical disorders but most violence is learned at an early age and is, in essence, encouraged by society.
Violence is reinforced by many of our cultural teachings and values.
For example, the long-held concept of the ideal man has been the strong, silent type who fights his way to the top. Traditional heroes, such as John Wayne, seldom, if ever, express fear, vulnerability, dependence or other responses which might make them appear weak. Men are expected to be strong, aggressive, and in control, so boys learn at an early age to use force if necessary to get their way. When a male's control is challenged, he is often encouraged to use violence to re-establish it. One of the most obvious examples of the ways in which violence is reinforced by culture is in our language.