Domestic Violence Awareness

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From: domesticviolencenomore.com

Domestic Violence Awareness

Creating awareness is always a practical step to curbing anything from an epidemic to the lack of government policy. Domestic violence, an acknowledged yet invisible crime committed right under the collective noses of the law and society, often seems to get away mostly disguised as some other minor offence. Until recently, the law of the male, for the male, and by the male, found it well nigh impossible to even consider it a crime. Women who complained and attempted to use some legal provision to save their lives were treated as hysterical wrecks who imagined monsters under the bed.

To what do we attribute this large scale of insensitivity? Cold hearted cynicism and sheer bull-headed stupidity might pop into mind as appropriate answers, but it is, at least in some cases, a little more than that. It is the unawareness of the magnitude of this crime that causes some people to dismiss the stark depravity of abuse simply out of hand. To the majority, it is unimaginable that these things actually happen. Mainly, it could be because personally speaking they cannot imagine treating their spouse or any living being in this manner.

Or it could be that they are due for a reality check as far as recent social documentary is concerned. These people exist in their own bubbles, far removed from the reality of suffering and pain in the lives of the less fortunate, almost like the "let them eat cake" episode in French history. But the real problem arises when these uninformed airheads adorn positions of power and pass judgements based on their myopic, ill-formed opinions on what is decidedly the worst crime perpetrated against womankind.

Therefore, it is vital that any domestic violence imperative address this section of perpetrators who undermine the cause of victims by their callous ignorance. Domestic violence awareness needs to be broadcast to every section of society from Supreme Court judges to school boys. Most people have no clue; others have the wrong understanding. To some people it is actually a fact of domestic bliss that husbands occasionally push their wives around a bit, and then make up with a pathetic bunch of flowers.

A very good place to start would be right from the portals of education. What could be more important than learning to treat a fellow human being with respect and love? Domestic violence education in schools should be made mandatory. Given the fact that this social evil is a silent spectre haunting most kids' lives, this could make them feel less of a deviant creature, and find more acceptance. This could also take care of the issue of teen domestic violence in dating relationships as they grow older. Basic decency which should come naturally has somehow become extinct, but that doesn't mean it can't be drilled or ingrained like the multiplication tables or the periodic table into the young child's psyche.

This has to be followed up at the University level with courses leading to degrees, diplomas or certificates in domestic violence. Women's Studies still concentrate on political issues of inequality in the workplace, often failing to address burning issues of personal violence and victimization. Young women graduates come out feeling empowered and enabled only to feel absolutely helpless against the various forms of personal violence they have to face in real life. Their education has short-changed them by not preparing them or even educating them about the facts of domestic violence.

Local committees, clubs and other organizations address issues of road safety, park maintenance, civil liberties, AIDS, Hepatitis virus, and such which are all highly commendable. In the same vein, they could give importance to creating domestic violence awareness.

Power point presentations on domestic violence are an effective way to leave lasting impressions on the minds of the viewer. Flyers, media advertisements, cultural activities, mime shows, art work, songs and poems are all effective and imaginative ways that various organizations and the government can create awareness and inform the public that it is indeed a serious crime that needs stopping.

The Australian government has a sensitive and brilliant message on popular media where the slogan goes, "To violence against women, Australia says No!" which leaves no one in doubt as to the seriousness of this vile act.

The month of October which is meant to be domestic violence awareness month gets less coverage than soccer or NBA, which serves to give the impression that it really is not that important. Domestic violence training for law enforcement officers should be mandatory and detailed rather than haphazard and slipshod. Only a scientific awareness of the issue can engender their total participation in a domestic abuse case.

Domestic Violence Products, Spread Awareness

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