Whats your view on this?
It is true that domestic violence is 'menace that is found all over the world' and the stories of Nadine and Rahela are horrifying. There is hope however. There are solutions proven to prevent violence against women. The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA), if passed, would incorporate these solutions into existing U.S. foreign assistance programs. It would support local women’s organizations overseas that are working to end violence against women in their countries. The I-VAWA, expected to be introduced into the Senate this Fall, was developed by the Women’s Edge Coalition (Edge), Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF), and members of Congress with the help of organizational partners. It is the result of extensive research on what works: it was drafted in consultation with more than 150 groups including U.S.-based NGOs, U.N. agencies and 40 women’s groups across the globe. Please take a second to sign the petition in support of this important piece of legislation.
Rizwan bhai,
Onek din porey apnar blog porlam. Asha kori bou ar meye niye bhalo acchen.
Thank you for bringing the Nadine story to light and also for bringing up a huge issue among Bangladeshis - domestic violence. It is so shameful for us to have such high rates of abuse that lead to homocide or suicide even. Khub dhukkho lagey ei kotha bhabley. Kintu shudhu bhabley hobey na. Amader ja shartho kicchu kora uchit. Onnoder ei rokom poribesh thekey beriya ashtey shahajjo kora uchit.
Nashat
We are a group of American Indians and friends that know and worked with Joy Loftin while she was employed at the Vanderbilt YMCA here in New York City. During the length of her employment, several extremely disturbing incidents occurred that cause us to be concerned and call into question the motives and the integrity of Shan Colorado Finnerty, Hortensia Colorado, and Elvira Colorado.
On several occasions, Joy came to work with visible bruises on her neck and arms. She eventually explained to us that Shan had punched, beaten, and choked her and she asked us for help. As wardens for the community, we tried to place Joy in women’s shelters around the city in an effort to mitigate the abuse. However, at the urging of Shan’s mother and aunt, Hortensia and Elvira, she returned to their apartment and refused to press criminal charges against Shan Colorado Finnerty. The abuse continued and one day, she came to work very early, visibly distressed and crying, with more bruises and abrasions. She said that Shan had verbally abused and beaten her once again; that she wanted to return to California, and that she was going to quit her job and reunite with her family. She tendered her resignation later that week. Out of concern for her safety and in an effort to find out what happened to her, we requested an officer from the domestic violence unit of the 5th Precinct conduct a welfare check at their home on Kenmare Street. However the officer was unable to find anyone at the apartment, and therefore could not verify that Joy was safe. We realize that she is suffering from battered women’s syndrome and may be unable to help herself due to the isolationist environment that the Colorados have formed around her. Abusive men are often enabled by their family, while the victim is persuaded to believe the abuse is her fault, and the pattern of emotional and physical trauma continues. Taking into consideration what has happened to Joy Loftin, it is especially deceitful that their display “Altar: El Llanto De La Resistencia” at the American Indian Community House was in part dedicated to victims of domestic violence.
In light of these events, we are dismayed, disappointed, and outraged to know that members of the American Indian Community would commit, condone, and perpetuate domestic abuse and violence, while simultaneously conducting workshops, writing and performing plays, and displaying works and art that would have the public and those who support them believe otherwise. It is a vulgar and offensive misrepresentation of American Indian Culture, and further support of Coatlicue Theater, Hortensia Colorado, Elvira Colorado, Shan Colorado Finnerty and their work is tantamount to supporting domestic abuse and violence. Considering their duplicitous behavior, having them represent American Indian Culture is an insult to the dignity of American Indians and an affront to human beings.
We are therefore informing you we will not attend nor support any Coatlicue Theat
Typical behaviour of the South Asian perp (of DV) involves slander and character assassination and thus further victimization of the victim, as can be seen in the said case. Unfortunate, but fortunately we live in a world where people are better able to identify slander as slander and lies as lies. Astonishingly, though, the 'acceptance' of domestic violence is outrageous among South Asian, especially the older generation. It's seen as a quarrel gone out of hand, not a crime. If this mindset doesn't change, DV will continue in households for centuries. We all thought upper class, educated men don't abuse their wives. Now we know differently. Knowing it isn't good enough. We need to understand it and then address it. Perps who violate women's rights on -any- ground should be stripped of -all- their rights. Jail time is not good enough.
I appreciate so much the work that you are doing. I really feel that violence against women does not get nearly as much attention or focus that it deserves. After being in a domestic violent situation myself - I decided it was time to take some action also. I have put together a conference that will take place May 17th, 2008 - Women Meeting Challenges - Making Change. For more information on this awareness conference please visit our blog at http://
www.2008womensawarenessco...ce.blogspot.com
Dear Friends,
Let us hope that by-gones will be
by-gones.
Let us hope that the old way of thinking be updated to the best
interests of all humanity.
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