In the spirit of Gahndi, Lubna-Ahmed al-Hussein is willing to submit to 40,000 lashes for wearing pants in public. Ms. Hussein works for the UN which has recently been criticized by Eve Ensler for failing in their promise to prevent violence against women in the Congo. The UN is not supporting Ms. Hussein’s courageous decision to go on trail rather than opt for diplomatic immunity.
Barbara Bentley, author of Dance with the Devil, will receive one of six of the 2009 Paul H. Chapman Awards by the Foundation for Improvement of Justice on September 26 in Atlanta. In addition […]
When we think of Bill Clinton’s presidency, passage of the Violence Against Women Act isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, he is a tremendous champion for family violence prevention and for people who have experienced abuse. He’s walked in our shoes.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was passionate about equality. She refused to utter the word “obey” in her marriage vows. She edited the Declaration of Independence to read: “All men and women are created equal. . .” Her first sentiment addressed domestic violence.
Good questions. I think most women who experience domestic violence would like to know the answers. As I read and digested the article, I realized the Vernetta’s story is all our stories. We are conditioned by the system to think we’re the only ones who think the system doesn’t work. The truth is that it doesn’t work for most of us. “Fell through the cracks,” is a phrase that sets my teeth on edge. Callous indifference is more accurate.
Many women and children ~ some men too ~ are finding there isn’t much justice in our legal system. In fact, the legal system is easily manipulated as an instrument of abuse. Several bloggers, especially WordPress’ MamaLiberty, are vigilant watchdogs. If you haven’t visited her site, I encourage you to do so. You will laugh. You will cry. You may get angry.
Vernetta is a perfect example of an advocate for domestic violence. She has done everything right, and the most important thing she’s done is that she never gave up.
Today I’m blowing the whistle on a corrupt system. I promised myself when I started this site that I would only write positive stories. But, I think it is time for y’all to know the truth about how the system operates. . .notice I did not use the word “works.”
A Broken U.N. Promise in Congo Originally published in: Washington Post, 06/30/2009 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/29/AR200906… BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo — Just over a year ago, in answering whether sexual violence in […]
It took seven years and two trips to the appellate court for Vernetta Cockerham to receive justice. About 45 supporters wearing puple and white ribbons came to the preliminary hearing at the Yadkin County, NC court house.
Anne Caroline Drake 