Violence against women appears to be a global problem. This issue transcends economic, social and cultural lines.
A young Indian bride from an affluent family, badly beaten by her husband in the first month of her marriage, leaving physical and emotional scars that will last her a lifetime. Poor, rural, village women beaten and abused for not conforming to warped predefined roles as wives and daughter-in-laws.
The problem of domestic violence in America is also well documented, and is at almost epidemic proportions across all walks of life — rich, poor; black, white; educated, illiterate.
Why can’t men learn to love, respect and treat their wives and girl friends like they treat their mothers and daughters? Why this double standard?
Hitting a woman is not a symbol of strength. It is an act of cowardice. As one lady told me, “abuse is about control and dominance.”
So unnecessary and damaging. It’s a sad commentary on our world, and no one should have to suffer through it.
About Hemant Rustogi