Domestic violence is a national issue; all must be involved

DOMESTIC violence continues to be a tragic scourge in the social life of Guyana, as once again exemplified by three very brutal murders occurring within the space of one month. In two of the recorded instances, the level of violence was of such frightening intensity that it served as a grim reminder of its pervasiveness.

As a media house, we will continue to highlight to the nation this brutal act, as have been the case in so many past opinion pieces.

There can be no denial that domestic violence constitutes a clear threat to the institution of the family, with the inevitable consequences which will culminate with the woman suffering either the ultimate tragedy, or life-crippling injuries, or continues to be battered in the presence of her family, particularly young children.

For whatever reasons as perceived by such category of domestic violence abusers – physical degrading of their women folk, spousal battering to be specific, is not, and cannot be the solution to whatever problem that may have been the issue, or will  arise during the course of or out of a relationship. It is totally unacceptable in today’s modern world, as it should have always been. The great contradiction is that it is a universal problem that cuts across social and ethnic lines.

It is not only a grave act of inhuman behaviour and extreme cruelty, but first of all a criminal blot on what constitutes manhood, in his role as protector of the female, in which he has especially  a moral obligation to be protector, to make her emotionally comfortable, and give love. Secondly, with every act of abuse, he reduces her dignity, and the very important role of motherhood. Thirdly, his cruel extremes, gradually undermines the foundation of the family, including severe traumatisation of the family.

This especially, with its dangerous psychological effects, will have numbing consequences for not only these trapped children’s scholastic performance, emotional growth and development, but will in time distort the role of manhood/fatherhood in their young minds, particularly the male children. It will be the same for the young female, in respect of what is womanhood/motherhood.

By far, the often physical and disabling injuries suffered by these victims are what are destructive to the family’s socio-economic foundation, since most of these women are important contributors to their families’ well-being.

It is excruciatingly emotional, for children to have to observe their mothers reduced to levels of irreparable disability. This can only have a crushing effect on their daily lives.

Let it be re-emphasised, that domestic violence is a  social beast that has so far, defied all the seminars, media discussions, printed adverts, public walks, and more,  sponsored by both government and non-governmental organisations. Even religious organisations have spoken out against this monster which continues to inflict grave harm to our womenfolk.
Of note, too, is the fact that quite contrary to a mischievous missive penned by a former PPP/C minister, in one of the private journals, which sought to convey that domestic violence has been out of control since the new coalition took office – this is totally untrue.

In fact, any honest Guyanese will recall the daily reports of murderous violence that took the lives of dozens of our women through the years of the PPP/C administration. In fact, domestic violence and suicide became a national fact during the last administration’s tenure.

Though necessary, and must continue as a public means of condemnation of an  animalistic behaviour, we have to ask what significant impact these known and lauded  initiatives  have made in terms of impacting on the incidence and prevalence of domestic violence.

First of all, no government can provide all the answers to, or can prevent the instances of domestic violence, as the former minister would want us to believe. This is a social scourge that must have inputs from all the social organisations and groups in Guyana, beginning from the church, that should devote some portion of their worship sessions to this social ill; the education and school system which must begin to consider placing aspects of this national threat on its curricula; cultural organisations which must begin to examine

whether traditions as are  known and practised, may not be a contributor to a problem that threatens the existence of our women; the home and family, where  parents and elders, must begin to re-examine the socialisation of their young girls and boys; the judiciary, that will explain the harsh  penalty that  those found guilty of  spousal violence will have to face; and law enforcement, whose role is critical in  responding to reports of domestic violence, and  apprehending its perpetrators. Even the workplace must begin to make discussions on domestic violence a priority, as it relates to family men and their understanding of their wives/companions as partners.

In other words, since it is a national problem, then it has to be the business of ALL. It has to be confronted in a collective manner, in terms of understanding its particular ethos, and not be made the subject of a blame game or become a political football as was attempted in the letter, published in Kaieteur News.

As an aside, that former administration official is best advised to convert his party’s well-known bottom house meetings for talks to its supporters about the evil that is domestic violence, and all of the reasons that are associated with it, instead of the mischievous and misleading content that is a constant diet at its gatherings.

Secondly, there is a cultural tradition that needs to be examined, in terms of too many teens being forced into traditional marriages, or because of pregnancy and other sosio-economic reasons. In this modern age, with so many learning opportunities, is it the right choice for school-aged teen girls, many of whom are not mature psychologically, who do not understand the ways of the world to become involved in relationships, often with adult male partners?

In one of the media prints many years ago, was an article that detailed the accounts of battered women who disclosed their decades of abuse because of premature unions. That many of them remained so long, enduring great physical and mental pain, is because they accepted marriage to mean, whether bad or good, that they must remain with their partners, and never to return home.

Many of those women would have met tragic ends, publicly known; while others are still suffering daily turmoil. But many have been finding the courage to exit the hell that has been their union, bearing the scars of their ordeal.

It is not our right/intention to change tradition, or to advocate that such be done, but given the practical score card as it relates to the experience of domestic violence and its numerous victims over the past two decades especially, would it not be in the best interest of our young teens that they be encouraged and supported to remain in school, thereby exploring their true potential?

Is it right that young girls be forced into marriage because of circumstances, most of which that often descend into the brutal nightmare of domestic violence abuse, and early death?
These are some of the fault lines that need to be examined and be discussed, with a view to protecting our women.

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