Todd Talks By Todd Muller

Say yes to giving her space, say no to putting her in her place.

Say yes to talking it out with her, say no to taking it out on her.

In so few words the message from White Ribbon this week is clear: We're for respectful relationships.

We know the sobering facts. One in three women will experience partner violence in their lives; fewer than 20 per cent of these will report it. More than 3,500 convictions are recorded each year against men for assaults on women, and on average 14 women a year are killed by their partners or ex-partners.

Gender power relationships are one concerning aspect where the bruises are not always physical. Show respect by letting your partner live her own life and make her own decisions. Being a man doesn't give you the right to control her, her actions, emotions, or thoughts. Treat her as you want to be treated.

Disagreements are a normal part of relationships, but violence is not. Talk it out, and listen to her as much as you want to be heard. Violence is as much about pushing her as it is dumping your anger on her.

Our region is a beautiful place to raise a family, so let's play our part in providing a safe environment for our partners and the kids.