Say "No" to all domestic abuse

Tuesday 22 April 2014 8:00 PM

Fairfax's "Shine a light" campaign on domestic violence is an exemplary instance of harnessing the power of a major media organisation for social good. Former Queensland premier Anna Bligh's public leadership for the same cause is equally welcome and commendable. ("Former Queensland premier Anna Bligh on how we can stop domestic violence", CT, 19/4). Any success by either promises immeasurable benefits to our common life for generations. However it would be regrettable if such efforts were to focus on physical violence to the exclusion of mental, emotional, sexual or other forms of abuse mainly perpetrated against women and children, in homes across the country. Whether or not the victim ever suffers physical harm, all forms of domestic abuse arise from one (most usually male) person's ingrained sense of entitlement to control and dominate those closest to them. All such domination deprives the victim of their personhood, with the same ripple effect of destroyed lives and relationships, often for generations. Say 'No' to all domestic abuse.