Blog to highlight domestic abuse
A blog has been created by an assembly member for women to write about their experiences of violence.
Called Stories Behind the Stats aims to highlight the severity of the issue.
A mixture of law, politics, autobiography and humour. Once described as "The Devilish Advocate" (Guardian), I do have the ability to provoke a response. Sometimes it comes from someone who uses a thought process, and sometimes from jerks usually associated with the knee.
6 comments:
jailhouselawyer,
There are refuges for 'battered wives'; the choice to stay or leave their partners is theirs, isn't it ?
Women today aren't shackled for life as were other generations .....
John,
Repeat of 'disappearing' post ....
There are refuges available for 'battered wives'; it's their choice to stay or leave their partner's isn't it ?
Women today aren't 'shackled for life' as were other generations.
jailhouselawyer,
An elderly friend of my father's was regularly, physically attacked by his wife. No-one believed him until her doctor diagnosed abnormal brain function - mental illness. It sadly ended in divorce for his safety's sake.
Women aren't the only victims.
To simplify the issue of staying or leaving an abusive partner is ridiculous.
On the outside looking in it's easy to judge, but when you are involved with an abusive partner you are subject to mental as well as physical abuse. You are belittled constantly until you actually believe that "you won't get anyone else"; "you're worthless"; "you deserve all you get".
The strength of will to leave a relationship of this kind is phenomonal, and after sometimes many years of being abused, the strength is no longer there.
Many women DO leave their partners, only to return. Believing the age old line "I'll never do it again", more to the point WANTING to believe that it won't happen again.
Emotions are a big part of this, women seem to put up with just about any kind of behaviour if they love the other person, but financial matters sometimes plays a part, and if children are involved it can be even more difficult. Leaving your home with your children to go and live in a refuge can be a daunting decision, and having to look over your shoulder, fearing what will happen to you if you "dare" to leave can be too much for a woman to bear. It's "easier" to stay in your home and "take" the occasional beating. I know it beggars belief, but that's how it is.
[I'm stereotyping here, I do know that the shoe is on the other foot at times and the woman is the abuser]
Unless you have actually been in the situation; felt the emotions and the pain, the uncertainty and the desperation, then it's not so clear cut as just "staying" or "leaving".
The world is just not black and white, there are many shades of grey.
vamp,
I agree, but GP's willingly refer victims to counsellors who, in turn, give them the time and space to make their own decisions and rebuild 'battered' self esteem.
Women of this generation are no longer alone - services available bear no comparison to years ago.
My mother, herself a victim, was given a dose of valium by her GP and left to get on with it.
vamp,
Neither did the facility of marriage guidance counsellors exist in my mother's generation.
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