Without ongoing learning and reflection, our gendered socialisation can cause advocacy for women's rights to inadvertently fall into patterns of paternalism.

One example is the “relational argument” whereby men are told, “She could be your wife/girlfriend/daughter/mother/sister.” This can be an effective rhetorical strategy, however it suggests that women are worthy of respect because of their relationship to a man -- not as independent bearers of human rights -- which are ideas women's movements have fought against. It can also reinforce the stereotype of men's role as familial protectors over weak women and girls.

If the relational argument is employed to raise awareness about male violence against women, it is furthermore important to recognize that statistically speaking, women are most likely to be hurt or killed by their intimate partners or other relations.