ONE BILLION RISING. Will you give your support to women across the planet on 14 February?

absent you said it all. Thank you. I will get my lovely women moving - anyone else for Barnstaple?

HUNTER. You are entitled to your view, and saying that you think it is a pointless protest reinforces for me the lack of understanding that so many men have about rape. Having trained judges, prison officers, police, head teachers and other professionals about the issues around rape and sexual attacks, I have been subjected to lots of pieces of 'advice' about how men think, and disclosures about what they themselves have done to women and got away with.

Here is not the place to vent my feelings about what you have said. Suffice it to say that you are representative of so many men who say they would never do such a thing, but won't lift a finger to support women who have. And please do not assume I say these things because I am anti-men or a victim of rape myself. I, fortunately (so far), am neither

absent - Your post echos everything I know and feel. No need to add more.

Because I can't organise a 'Rising' here in my Commune, I'm working on having one at home. I've been delighted, when talking about this event, that my male friends also want to participate. I see that as such a good thing.

HUNTERF No one here is accusing all men of being potential or actual rapists. However, quite apart from those who do rape and assault women, there are men who will make jokes about rape or other kinds of sexual violence or talk about it light-heartedly and flippantly, even though they wouldn't dream of assaulting a woman themselves. If you want to look at the statistics about violence to women, it is salutary to remember that, on average, two women a week are murdered by their partners or ex-partners in this country.

The women victims of violent assault – and that includes rape – are often blamed and villified for the crime committed against them. The law is not working and offers no protection or justice for the majority. Standing up and being counted is one way women – whether they have been victims or not – can voice their anger and disgust. The chances are that at least one woman you know has been sexually assaulted or raped. There are certainly quite a number of women on Gransnet who have been or who have daughters who have been. Keeping quiet is not an option.

glass Do you want a companion? I'll pm.

Hi whenim64

To be honest I think 99.9% of men are very against the rape of any woman. Unfortunately it only takes 1 man to commit rape.
I think rising up and demanding an end to violence at the hands of men, on 14 February is a pointless protest.
As a father of 2 daughters and 3 granddaughters I would not even visit a strip or lapdancing club as it is not showing respect for women.
I am prepared to go into a room with 30 women doing aerobics often with my daughters.
I was acused once by one lady of having no respect for women as I was the only man in that class but the other ladies protested as I had been going to the class for about 6 years at that point and saw no harm in it.
I think some of the women were amused by it as they knew I was rubbish at sports at school.

Frank

Thanks Nonu Still the same. Looking forward to seeing the doc on Monday. Doesn't look like I will be joining in any dancing!

Crikey and crikey again . It IS a good thing though !

Nonu every country that is joining in is listed on the One Billion Rising website and on Facebook

200 countries are now signed up.

Here in Manchester, there are three separate events in the city centre, Hulme and Rusholme.

Typo , Move. should have put in back , although you probably guessed anyway

I KNOW Move. How is your a little better I trust {smile].

When . How do you know ?

Nonu Happily, Mauritius also has One Billion Rising V-Day arrangements, and they will be in public for all to see. Enjoy!

Poor you Nonu

Won"t be able to join as I will be in Mauritius .

As soon as I find out the route that the march will be taking, I shall make sure I'm there. My daughter will be drumming in a large group called the De Gaia Drummers, named after her late good friend.

I am going to Durham on the 14th 12 to 2pm anyone fancy joining me?