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The following article is the fourth installment of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and we hope to educate our community on this very important issue. In our communities, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center has been serving victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse since 1978. Last year, HCWC served 2,257 victims of abuse (face-to-face) primarily from Hays and Caldwell Counties. 1,165 of those were victims of domestic violence.
“Be tough. Be the leader. Don’t cry. Man up.” These are phrases boys and men often hear every day, from their friends, family and communities. Why? Because of social expectations that end up causing everyone harm. The documentary “The Mask You Live In” explores how, starting from early childhood, boys and men are often told to hide their feelings and conform to a narrow version of masculinity.
