Alarmed at the increasing instances of violence against women and children, the Catholic church has launched an awareness campaign.Josephine Fernandes (63), a former domestic violence victim who is at the helm of the drive, said, "Many women put up with their abusive husbands throughout their lives. This affects them and their children. I took a stand many years ago and now advise other women to do the same.''
The campaign is being organised by the Women's Commission of Mumbai, an arm of the Catholic church which operates through women's cells in parishes.
According to community members, it was the United Nation's `Elimination of violence against women' campaign that prompted the church authorities to launch its own drive against domestic violence.
The campaign will be conducted in all parishes of the archdiocese throughout November.
Marcia Da Cunha, secretary of the Women's Commission, said, "We have been campaigning against domestic violence for some time. With this drive, we aim to step up our efforts and reach out to a larger audience.''
Instances of domestic violence, she added, can be found across different religious as well as social groups.
"Most women prefer to get battered than speak out. But we 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.'' +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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SIC: TOI