Recent research reveals that suicides as a result of domestic violence may be as high as 900 pa., far greater than the murders associated with domestic violence. Add to this statistic is the number of children requiring psychiatric assistance and there seems to be a malaise pervading our society. I would apportion the blame on four factors. Firstly the politics of of sleaze, selfishness and greed that has pevaded governments in greater publicity since Bozo Johnson lowered the standard to the gutter. Demonisation of minority groups is now mainstream politics and pursued with no shame or embarrassment. For this Farage and Reform can take the most blame, but Badenoch and Starmer are also guilty. Secondly the internet and social media have made abuse and misogyny seem almost commonplace. Porn sites are easily accessed and have promoted vile activity such as rape and partial strangulation. In my youth one needed to be tall enough to reach the top shelf and at least look 16, and then face embarrassment if parents found a magazine. Now parents have no idea what their children are looking at, let alone sharing and promoting/practicing. Thirdly is the growth is perceived poverty. It seems that society has become increasingly materialistic and I use the word perceived because this can affect all income and wealth levels. Arguments about finances are not confined to those struggling to get by, but all sectors of society, especially those whose lifestyle is in excess of their earnings, and whose social groups expect higher expenditure and material acquisitions. Lastly I would blame the right wing press who take every opportunity to demean woman. Angela Rayner and Meghan Markle; indeed I once went out with a Daily Mail reader (the shame haunts me!), and I asked why she read suck shit – her reply was that she enjoyed reading about stars suffering from cellulite and marital problems. I ended the relationship! The papers do not help, they revel in misery and despair and rarely report on positives.
So we live in a society where we are exposed to/taught that selfishness is a virtue (World politicians); bad behaviour is ok if you can afford it (Epstein & Co); porn and perversion are now common place; and the press does not promote the vibes of love and peace. I add these because they were the vibes of my teenage years. And I hope I have been true to that ever since (including a divorce).