Violence 'communication’

Press, 20 April 1982, Page 22

Violence 'communication’

PA Auckland Violence must be. regarded as part of the human communication process and not be seen by itself as dangerous, according to the secretary of the Police Association, Dr R. A. Moodie. Dr Moodie told a seminar, entitled “Peace Education in a Violent World,” that of course violence maimed and killed, and concern for safety and the suffering of its victims was a necessary and human response.

“But the violence itself tells us nothing about what is happening and why,” he said. “Unless we know what is happening and why, our

safety and future victims remain at risk.” . Dr Moodie said that no doubt concern about rape had been increased by news media reports on the experiences of rape victims. “But unless we survey and analyse the motivation of the rapists, and probably put more honest questions about male and female relationships and sexuality in contemporary society, we may never find an answer to the problem,” he said. “If that answer, when found, requires in the state of existing medical knowledge and technology a violent solution, it should not be retreated from.”

Dr Moodie said that if the problem arose from the “stereotype conditioning processes,” or from other areas, the remedy must be found in those areas.

From time to time castration had been suggested. This was horrifying, violent, and serious in its own implications.

“But in some cases informed medical opinion may allow voluntary and sympathetic as a viable alternative to a lifetime of torment, condemnation and incarceration for the potential rape offender,” Dr Moodie said.