The author explores the nature of the patriarchal system and the relationship between patriarchy and violence in society. Discussion focuses on both violence in the home and sexual violence experienced by many women in private and public environments. Sexual violence, sexual obsession, and jealousy are each part of the violence experienced by women in their daily lives. In addition, many children, particularly young girls, are victims of male violence. The paper also explores the success and failure of feminist arguments and campaigns through an examination of the extent of personal violence and the responses of the criminal justice system; it considers critically the concept of a "crisis in masculinity." This involves an assessment of whether there has been a reaction against feminist views on masculinity and violence against women, and if so, to what extent the development of the concept of "gender neutrality" (behaviors are not gender-based) has been a response to this. The author suggests that gender neutrality is a false concept that masks the reality of violence for men as well as women, thereby diverting attention from patriarchal structures and belief systems and placing responsibility for violence on individual perpetrators and victims. 55-item bibliography