Rev EM Ukpong on "Hidden Crimes"

Rev EM Ukpong — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:47:12 +0000

Women are generally believed to be weeker sex, but that is not a right to over look the fact that women are also God's image.
It is certain that so many women are passing through difficult times in their homes, mostly in some parts of Africa.
In one of those homes I visited some time ago, a woman was unjustly treated by the in-laws because her husband put her in control of his business.
Again, the same woman who had given birth to three girls was further maltreated because she has no male child as a male child is believed to be the hier in the home.
African women are really hurt in their matrimonial homes and i want you to PLEASE look into the matter because women are also the foundation of the future.

Hidden Crimes, Siobhan O'Connell

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:57:02 +0000

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Hidden Crimes

The latest report by the Home Office reveals, once again, the unacceptable number of women who suffer domestic violence. The report shows 16 percent of all reported violent incidents in the UK are caused by sexual and violent abuse in the home.

Yet the abuse remains a ‘hidden crime', one which women suffer in silence, terrified that they will lose their homes, children or lives if they report it. Often the violence is repeated time and again; the report highlights the fact that one in four victims is attacked three or more times.

The government says it is ‘determined' to make it easier for victims to come forward and has promised to roll out a network of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors as part of a programme to help victims to access services.

Siobhan O'Connell has been to Birmingham to meet Joanne Miller, a survivor of domestic violence herself. She works for an organisation called WAITS Women Acting in Today's Society and supports women who want to escape from violent situations. She has also recently trained as a IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor). Joanne is often at the coalface, a first point of contact when a woman can bear the violence no more.

Listen here to find out how advocacy works at grassroots level.

open Democracy News Analysis - Hidden Crimes, Siobhan O'Connell - Comments

Rev EM Ukpong on "Hidden Crimes"

Hidden Crimes, Siobhan O'Connell