Day two

Well, this morning after an early breakfast at which most of us ordered traditional dinner plates by accident :), we visited a center for victims of domestic violence. I have to say that I was extremely moved by these women and the work that they do, not only in the therapy, support groups and workshops that are their bread and butter, but also in the public advocacy that they do. They are a daring voice among the silent, those who ignore the issues of violence among women. They have coined a new word--"femicide"--to refer specifically to violent death among women caused by domestic partners and also to women who commit suicide to escape such abusive situations. I was particularly shocked by the inadequacy of existing laws in protecting women and children from domestic abuse--in fact, they told us that there are no laws that protect children, and the laws that protect women are only enforced at the discretion of the police who arrive at the scene. There are also very few shelters and those are only available to women who are in a court process of pressing charges against their abusers, so women who are in immediate danger of their lives in the middle of the night who might have to leave their homes immediately in order to protect themselves would have no place to go. And those shelters that do exist do not provide psychological services, or any services, really. So the work of this center and its women is so needed in this community. It was wonderful to hear about people truly making a difference in their environment and in their government through active participation and advocacy, very inspiring. I hope to be as brave as these women and can be an advocate for the needy in my own country.