Men and Families - Rethinking Domestic Violence: The First experiences of First Nations and Inuit Men in Quebec Canada by Drs L. Ellington and R. Brassard, University of Laval, Canada. Both are from the School of Social Work and Criminology. notes

Indigenous men - (54% + women 61% ) are likely of being a victim in their lifetime than non-indigenous men and women (36% + 44 % respectively). 29/39 men served time for crimes in provincial or Federal prisons (in Quebec). Men who were interviewed had 0-10 children. From the men’s perspective - at present, deeply scarred from the past, colonialism and imposition of patriarchal structures. Experiences of violence from an early age. There are underlying issues and other social problems. Men as victims is a label which is hard to take on. Pride - “ we are supposed to be warriors and to protect wife.” “I have a lot of pride, - also children - they will lose their mom (this is from men who are physically abused by their wives). Most were unemployed. Three or four were working. From 29 from 59. They were able to connect if men went to prison to protect life or there is nothing else going on. Many of the men were in prison. When police attend it is easier for them to claim responsibility and let the child stay with their mothers. They know what prison is like, several were there before. The main reason is to maintain family structure. How do I feel about this? Men going to jail so their wives don’t is not what I consider justice. If women are abusing their husbands, wives will probably abuse their children. Men are accepting blame, but if this is recognized as a problem then it needs to be looked at closer. Are the men showing physical symptoms of abuse? Just last week I heard on the news that in Quebec, which is a province of Canada, it was determined that half of the children in the Foster system are Indigenous and that this is a problem. I would agree and was surprised. How do we help families to heal? I am glad that the University of Laval has taken an interest. It is much needed. Any errors here as usual are my responsibility only.