In a recent commentary, Marko Kass highlights the crucial need for support programs aimed at violent men, arguing that societal changes in this realm are gradual and require mindful engagement. He points out that any successful intervention must begin with men taking responsibility for their actions, after which they can focus on self-improvement and healing. Kass's reflections arise in the context of Estonia's ongoing struggle with domestic violence, particularly during holidays when incidents reportedly surge.

Kass recalls a poignant moment from years past when former president Kersti Kaljulaid addressed this issue in her festive speech, outlining how public safety measures need to be heightened during festive gatherings, a time when home is assumed to be a safe haven. Her remarks underscored a chilling reality: holidays like Christmas and New Year’s are often marred by increased rates of domestic abuse, thus necessitating urgent societal and governmental response. This intertwining of celebratory times with family-related violence paints a grim picture that Kass urges the public to recognize and address.

Despite a noted decline in domestic violence incidents in recent years, Kass stresses that the over three thousand yearly cases reported are still twofold the number deemed acceptable. This ongoing challenge calls for a collective societal effort to not only provide help to the victims of domestic violence but also to transform the behavior and mindset of aggressors. Kass's commentary serves as both a wake-up call and an appeal for broader support systems to ensure both the safety of women and the rehabilitation of men caught in cycles of violence.