Bombay Archdiocese fights abuse of women

(Nov.10,2009): Bombay archdiocese in India’s western Maharashtra State, has started an awareness campaign to contain increasing incidents of violence against women and children. The archdiocese’s Women’s Commission launched the program and operates through its parish units. Organizers said the United Nation’s Campaign for the “Elimination of violence against women”, prompted them to launch their own drive against domestic violence. Commission secretary Marcia Da Cunha said they have been campaigning against domestic violence for some time but now the drive aims to step up efforts and reach out to a larger audience.
According to Da Cunha incidents of domestic violence can be found among different social groups. She said “Most women prefer to get battered than speak out but they have come across some, who are willing to stand up for their rights.” Da Cunha said the commission has tracked down several women, who despite being sole breadwinners, continue to be abused by their husbands. “We counsel the victims and help them register their complaint with the police,” she said. “Our drive is aimed at spreading awareness, but it is up to the victims to speak out” Da Cunha added.
The campaign will run through November in all parishes of the archdiocese. A former domestic violence victim 63-year-old Josephine Fernandes, who leads the campaign, said many women “put up with their abusive husbands throughout their lives. This affects them and their children. She said “I took a stand many years ago and now advise other women to do the same”