Practically Unfair

It often said in many different ways that the problem of violence against women should not include (or not have to include) learning how to minimize their risks. Instead, the thinking goes, our efforts should be aimed at teaching men to end their bad behavior. While this sentiment certainly has an appropriate ethical basis, it's too idealistic for current conditions and ignores relevant practical considerations. For the same reasons that motorcycle riders are taught (or learn) how to take what should be unnecessary steps to reduce their risks of injury or death from others on the road who don't follow the rules, those who are at risk from any unethical behavior by others need to accept and act upon the unfair reality in which we live. While we should certainly put the bulk of our efforts in teaching people to respect one another and not engaging in destructive behaviors, to ignore the unfortunate and current need for potential victims to take precautions is a practical necessity until things change.