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Aug 18, 2018 Letters
The number of deaths due to domestic violence is alarming.
Already, we have seen a number of deaths that have come from abusive paramours/spouses. I regret being the bearer of bad news but, judging from the patterns seen throughout the years, there is likely to be more deaths in the days to come.
We have also seen activists and several persons calling for more intervention from those in power, to implement measures to arrest this scourge – which sometimes leave children parentless, or in a state of being prematurely exposed to the underbelly of this harsh environment that we live in.
Domestic Violence has taken from us, and continues to take. The question is, what we are willing to give, to stop it.
Recently, a woman died after being hospitalised for wounds she reportedly received from her husband. According to reports, she had been subject to many years of abuse by her husband, who killed himself after committing his last horrendous act.
The incident took social media by storm; many ventilated their concerns with angry posts, and comments – though distasteful, appeared to have garner the support of liked-minds.
We saw an activist group – which has developed a particular proclivity to proclaim that all men are abusers – launching an online campaign on “How to spot the Psychopath” with men being the supposed candidates up for evaluation. This group needs to be reminded that men are also victims of domestic violence, and to paint an entire gender with one brush is irresponsible activism.
However, I digress to address the real issue at hand.
After the recent murder/suicide in Berbice, a video was aired by a local television station where it showed a large crowd assembled at the victim’s residence, I assume, to catch a glimpse of the mutilated remains of man and wife.
The hurtful thing is, many of these people knew that this couple was in a rocky relationship, many knew that the man was abusive, and yet, they did nothing – absolutely nothing.
Domestic Violence is everybody’s business, the politicians would say. Then why hasn’t the administration made it everybody’s business?
The day that neighbours are charged as accessories to murder, domestic violence will end.
The pressure needs to be placed on both the perpetrators and the people who witness these atrocious acts without saying a beep.
How many times have we heard or seen a neighbour going on a televised news programme saying they were aware of the beatings? Many times! Almost in every case these people testify to having knowledge and yet, they did nothing.
How can someone live with themselves knowing that their silence has led to death?
I believe that many people who are aware of domestic violence, are silent because they feel that it is somewhat, “not their business” or maybe “not their place” but shouldn’t we be bold enough to speak out when violence is a choice?
What about our police officers that detain suspects and then give in to requests by victims for release? Shouldn’t these officials feel the brunt of the law for being accessories to violence?
What about the victims themselves that plead with law enforcement officials to have their abusers released?
Why is the “I can’t do better” line being used so many times by victims who drop charges against their abusers?
A larger question emerges from these inquires: Is domestic violence really everybody’s business?
Regards,
Citizen
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