Despite mediacampaigns, whether local or international, the issue of violence against women,especially domestic violence by husbands or family members, is still endlessand unresolved. I still receive emails from women, especially expatriates, whowere subjected to physical violence at the hands of their expatriate husbands,but they do not know what to.
This is adifficult situation, because speaking openly and publicly is not easy for them.They feel shamed and guilty. I think societies are not supportive of women intimes of crisis, as she might be blamed or punished for raising her voiceagainst being abused.
I received anemail recently from an expat woman, who said she is a victim of violence by herexpat husband. I quote her words: "Where to report if my husband abuses mephysically and mentally? I am suffering from mental abuse and now I am undermedication."
I think it isvery difficult for any woman to come from a distant country to live with herhusband, possibly as a newly-married couple leaving behind family and friends,and then get beaten and insulted by the man she trusted. Such women often keepsilent because they are afraid they will suffer more harm by the same person,while some seek divorce or go back to their countries when the opportunityarises. In all cases, the woman loses her health, money and maybe her life.
It is known thatmany countries in the Arab world have signed agreements to support and protectwomen, but this does not mean that the subject of violence has ended forever,because I believe violence is linked to the culture and social upbringing of aperson that he as a male is the strongest and women are secondary. Some menreject violence against women, but some consider it normal behavior.
In 2018, DrFatima Al-Salem, a faculty member at the media department at Kuwait University,presented a shocking study on the prevalence of violence against women inKuwait. Salem reported information on the high incidence of violence here. Themost prevalent forms of violence in Kuwaiti society are physical abuse,psychological violence and verbal abuse. I believe we need more of suchtransparent and bold studies. This is exactly what we need to end the issue ofviolence.
Personally, Ibelieve agreements cannot end the issue of violence unless society plays anactive role in raising awareness and spreading a culture that rejects such illbehaviors. Women may bear insults and curses once or twice, but if thissituation continues, she may suffer from disorders and psychological problems,or the beating may lead to permanent disability. The situation becomes worseafter divorce or the imprisonment of the husband, and when little kids areinvolved. This affects the society and not just the woman.
By Muna Al-Fuzai
muna@kuwaittimes.net