Issues in Family Violence

Winter 2005

Oppression versus Depression

John Went

Through my work with abusive men, I have had the opportunity to talk with many survivors of male violence. I have also talked with the survivors through another role of mine: that of mental health practitioner. From the former viewpoint, they speak to me of their oppression.

From the latter viewpoint, they speak to me of their depression. Either oppression or depression can be an outcome of abuse. In fact, to the survivor, they can feel similar: a sense of being weighed down, emotional numbness, lack of energy, etc. But for the helping person speaking with a survivor, it is important to distinguish which experience she is faced with because the choice of help offered or given can be crucial to her safety, satisfaction and self-determination. Dealing with depression is a therapeutic act. Dealing with oppression is a political act.

(c) 2005, The Non-Violence Alliance. Permission to reprint with the following information "Originally published in Issues in Family Violence, Volume 5, Issue 3 Winter 2005, The Non-Violence Alliance, www.endingviolence.com."