Domestic violence and fighting back

It's an ugly truth that countless women in India live with everyday. It struck too close to home this time and I decided that I should write about it.

As many as 70 per cent of married women in India between the ages of 15 and 49 are victims of beating, rape or coerced sex, according to the United Nation Population Fund report. Here's a link about Indian laws against domestic violence:

http://www.indiatogether.org/manushi/issue137/laws.htm

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 can also be used against female members of a family, according to the Madras High Court Bench in Madurai. Also note that the complaint can be filed by someone other than the victim, like a relative.

It is sad that we still live in a society which makes these laws necessary. While some women come out with their stories and seek justice and a better life, many still believe in staying in a sinking marriage and suffer in silence, a state of affairs which must change.

While the reasons why you can't get out of a marriage may seem too huge to overcome, especially in India, it is nothing compared to the danger you're putting yourself in. If you think that your health, physical or mental, is being compromised in any way, get out. Fast. And don't even consider ending your life for what someone else has done to you. Suicide is the worst possible thing you can do in this situation. It solves nothing.

Know that it is neither shameful nor a mistake to walk out of a relationship in which you are being mistreated or abused, whether you are a man or a woman and remember the three A's that you should never put up with in any relationship:
Abuse,
Alcohol &
Addiction.






This graph shows the percentage of married women facing abuse in different states in India. As you can see, Tamil Nadu is somewhere near the top.

To change this, not only do we have to speak up and actively fight against it, but if you are a parent it is your duty to bring up your child with values of respect, equality and non-violence. Men and women are not born abusive. It is what they become. Make sure that your child will not grow up to be one.


I end this entry with a few helplines for women who are abused.

1.Snehdi
4, Ranganathan Street, T Nagar, Chennai (044) 2446293

2.The Banyan
6th Main Rd., Mogappair Eri Scheme, Chennai - 600 058 (044) 26530504 / 26530105

3.Women help Line - 1091

4.Child Line - 1098

5.Joint Action Council for Women - Chennai12, Rosary church road,
Mylapore, Chennai-600004
Phone no.: 91-44-24943827, 044-24990262