Victoria Phillips
10/30/2010
12:29pm
According to the United Nations’ new report, violence against women is a worldwide problem that crosses many religions, races and ethnicities. Many blame religion for violence against women, particularly the Islamic religions. Many people associate Muslim women with domestic abuse. However, domestic violence actually has more to do with factors like education and culture. “…[I]t underscores the connection between advancement and education, noting that women who go to school are more likely to lead successful and healthy lives to the benefit of society. Conversely, girls and women who are less educated or illiterate are more vulnerable.” Traditional values and culture also play a big part in violence against women all around the world. Certain cultures and traditional values allow domestic violence. “Honor-killings” is one form of cultural domestic violence. It is up to everyone to fight against domestic violence.
Domestic violence goes beyond so much more than religion. The women (or men in some cases) who are being abused are more often than not economically dependent on their abusers. They usually have little to no education and have no job leaving them with no income if the leave their partner. The person being abused might also be disowned by their family, friends, and community if they leave. “Honor-killings” are the killing of someone to protect the family honor. Most of these killings are of women. In certain cultures, family honor is the most important value to uphold. It even becomes before family and blood. Religion is not to blame for domestic violence. The cultural values that says it’s okay is what needs reform. When women are looked at as equals, the violence will stop
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-oew-esposito-lalwani-women-violenc20101031,0,6185552.story
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