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Often, we assume that a victim of marital rape (or domestic violence in general) should be able to walk out of her marriage easily. Here's why it doesn't happen.
Often, we assume that a victim of marital rape (or domestic violence in general) should be able to walk out of her marriage easily. Here’s why it doesn’t happen.
It does seem to be a simple solution. A direct and easy way out of a troublesome marriage is to break away from it. The easiest way to move away from a spouse who violates you is to leave him/her.
But is reality that simple? Is it that straightforward?
In India, marriage is an institution. It is a sacred institution. You have to respect it. You have to stand by it. More often than not, there is an unsaid, yet heavy clause hanging by that: “You have to stand by it (or else)”.
The inherent conceptions, perceptions and opinions about marriage are influenced by patriarchy and closeted ‘common sense’. These play a stifling role in warping the minds of victims – of marital rape, or of domestic violence in general – who may want to speak out.
These are some questions that victims may grapple with:
These are just a few scenarios that may play out in a victim’s mind, warping their minds against doing what is best for them.
So if divorce does appear to be a simple way out, just think about it more. There is more to it.
There is so much more.
First posted at the author’s blog
Sad eyes of a woman pic via Shutterstock
Lackadaisical engineer. Student journalist. Football is love. Jam is ecstasy. Dogs: heaven. Reading = breathing. Madras is home. read more...
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