by Aparna Mukhedkar

Created on: March 22, 2009

So much has been written about the famed singer, Rihanna and the abuse that was inflicted upon her. While, it is not shocking, what is perhaps baffling to most is her alleged reaction and reported decision to stay with Brown, the man who beat her mercilessly. This is not uncommon. In fact, it fits the description of a classic domestic violence case study. It is perhaps appropriate to say that Rihanna's case has brought the issue of domestic abuse and violence against women in the spotlight yet again. Unfortunately, however, for the umpteenth time, we will talk about it, dissect it, tear everyone involved to pieces and move on to the next distraction that afflicts our domain, all the while feeling quite good about ourselves for having forced the issue to some sort of conclusion. But, is there any such thing as a conclusion, just or otherwise? Sure, there are laws which are enforced, but are they strict enough to rehabilitate the perpetrator to refrain from committing the crime again? Possibly in some cases but in most the crimes are repeated over and over again.

There are many causes for it and studies have highlighted those causes since what seems like "times immemorial". The instances however, have not abated or ceased. Every single one of us either knows someone who has been through a terrible ordeal involving abuse or has personally experienced domestic abuse. I abhor the word victim" and do not and will not use it to describe women who have the strength and the wherewithal to walk out of situations that lead to their beating and sometimes to death. Yet most choose to stay because of societal pressures, dire financial situations, unemployment, lack of an education and most of all, cultural stereotypes that lead to fear. There are over thousand institutions and agencies that have been created to aid women who face abuse and yet some don't take advantage of them as they can. Fear is the predominant emotion which keeps many women from taking a leap of faith' and sever ties with the abuser and move on to leading a more productive, violent free life. So, what is the root of that fear? Cultural stereotypes and myths that society promotes and propagates that keep most people in a state of confusion and fear.

A woman who is the receptor of domestic violence doesn't stand a chance in the face of these societal challenges. It is a well documented fact that it is not uneducated women who face abuse, but even educated, high society women who fall prey to such heinous

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>