The fear and pain in her eyes were visible. Her husband beat her, and abused her, consistently for over 18 years. And he was coming back home after six months. Her tears told the story of unimaginable suffering over most of her life.
The domestic violence shelters paid mere lip service to her lot in life. Their organizational bureaucracy holding back any real offer of help — fill out the paperwork, get a lawyer, get “qualified” for help. I often see this bureaucracy disappear when they fund raise, and shamelessly ask for money. Shame on them. This system fails the most vulnerable, in their time of real need, and that is unacceptable.
Desperate times, call for desperate measures. The good people I know, came calling and offered to help. Her problems are far from over, but we will protect her and her children, to the best of our ability., and keep them safe.
I have no respect for men who raise their hands on a woman. Who does that? It is unacceptable under any circumstances. No excuses. Period. Real men don’t hit. Real people protect the vulnerable. It’s what makes us human.
About Hemant Rustogi