Abusing women is morally wrong

Editorial

DOMESTIC violence is a problem in marriages and relationships in all walks of life.
In Papua New Guinea, the issue is not just something that is confined to the villages and rural areas where the male-dominated societal beliefs hold particular sway, and where women are treated, if not seen, in a lesser role compared to their male counterparts.
One of the biggest problems with wife-bashing and violence against women in general in Papua New Guinea is that many say the issue to be a personal one, and a problem that should be firstly solved within the confines of the relationship.
Therein lies the problem: once a women is assaulted, it is a crime – there are no grey areas here.
A physical assault on another individual by another is just that.
Marriage or being in some type of relationship with the abuser is not a mitigating circumstance and should never be.
The first priority should be the person being assaulted.
The media reports on woman being beaten up their husbands or partners and to the extent that she ends up dead.
Recently, a woman was found dead with reports that earlier on, she and her husband were arguing in their home.
The sad reality is that this one incident is perhaps one of many that took place over the last year around the country.
It is a concern when highly educated men in this country starts beating their wives and using other extreme measures without worrying about the moral, physical or legal consequences.
Before we condemn the poor attitude towards women on display here, it is worth reminding oneself that this problem is by no means isolated to this country.
The fact is violence against women is perpetrated by men everywhere, in every country, and perhaps in every society.
It is a problem of humanity but in these modern times, we are taught that to hit a woman is a sign of weakness.
To be a real man, one must resort to other means to resolve conflict or disagreements.
In countries such as Australia, the US, the United Kingdom and other western democracies, men who prey on their wives or partners in this manner are despised by the community.
There is a certain stigma associated with being a wife-beater or someone who has committed violence against women.
Next to violence against children and other defenceless and weaker members of society, violence against women is a big issue and governments have laws to protect abused spouses and women. Attitudes toward women in this country need to change, and done so in a hurry.
It is never alright to abuse a wife or female friend physically, emotionally, sexually and in any other form that deprives them of their rights.
Police have a big role to play in helping change the attitudes of people to this issue by taking it seriously themselves.
Any instance of violence against women that is not treated with the full commitment and attention of law enforcers is a step back for women in this country.
It spreads the general disregard for women by the wider community.
It sends a clear message to men out there that it is an acceptable practice despite it being a morally-reprehensible act.

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