It seems timely to re-post sections of a brilliant post by a WS member HAWKINS (another Thread) which spoke to the heart of violence against women:
"...the objectification of women is a vestigial sociological imperative that is well past its use-by-date. Women have been commodities in the physical, emotional and spiritual sense for many thousands of years. Very few people really appreciate the depth to which these subservient roles are ingrained. Violence towards women is still at epidemic levels in our community and this violence is not specific to any demographic.The levels of child sex abuse against girls is a national disgrace. Emotional violence and intimidation starts from a very young age, and many, many men humiliate their wives and female relatives without any sense that they are doing so. Any man who thinks that Australia is a society which has turned the corner and which provides equal expectations and opportunities for women should experience life from a woman's perspective for a while...
Violence against, and the objectification of, women is a deep social problem that is only vaguely recognised and addressed, despite ridiculous claims that women are now somehow mostly 'equal'...".
Public displays of affection may mask private violence and abuse. Abuse is done in private. The Judge would be expected to realise this important point. In this case, the victim was isolated and has now been silenced - but not without some independent supports with knowledge of her torment.
The Law needs to recognise and address violence against women more seriously through its sentancing power and this would convey an important message to our community.
