DENOUNCE DOMESTIC ABUSE

Last night, I came across a video shared by many of my friends on Facebook which depicts the uncivil and discourteous behavior by the Indian patriarchs towards the female demographics. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hsRo_XBbaI)

I must admit that the video may not be the best videos I have seen till date but the message and solutions it tried to convey simply touched my heart, especially the description under the video which says, 

"When things don't seem right.

When its pain moves your heart.

What do you do despite the odds?

Take the plunge or retreat?"

I regard it to be the most poignant forms of betrayal. The abode, which should be a haven for a girl, turns into a sore noose, a place of anguish and terror for her. And the man who should act as a protector turns into a predator. They perpetrate horrendous acts of violence, be it physical, mental or sexual, against them. Prior to watching this video, I had this notion that domestic violence is circumscribed among the rural and illiterate masses. But to my utter dismay, it's spread across the length and breadth of the country.

Addiction to gambling and alcoholism are the prevalent causes for disputes among the couples which further aggravates to domestic abuse. Ego clashes, dowry demands, intervention from a third person etc. are the other major factors that engender household violence. 

According to our law, domestic violence is a criminal and non-bailable offence but women, especially the housewives, hesitate to lodge a FIR, speculating its post-effects like divorce, trauma for the children, inability to lead life alone etc. They anticipate an end to their sufferings some day and a better tomorrow. But alas, the situation never improves nor it changes anything near to better. Even if someone files a complaint on her behalf as granted by the law, she, being afraid of maligning her family's repute, repudiates being subjected to any kind of  violence or torture.

So what is the solution? As depicted in the video, the local residents can take a stand against physical abuse through simple acts. What it tries to convey is that every step of intervention, even if it's small, will make a difference. Aptly said in the end, if you save one life, you save the world entire.