Church

Drive against domestic violence launched in Mumbai

The Catholic Church in Mumbai has launched an awareness campaign urging victims of domestic violence to speak out and stand for their rights.

The campaign, organised by the Women's Commission of the Catholic Church, was initiated with growing instances of violence against women and children.

Marcia Da Cunha, secretary of the Women's Commission, said, "We have been campaigning against domestic violence for some time. With this drive, we aim to step up our efforts and reach out to a larger audience.''

"Most women prefer to get battered than speak out. But we have come across some who are willing to stand up for their rights," a TOI report quoted her saying.

The Commission which Cunha is leading has apparently tracked down several women who have been continuously abused by their husbands, despite being sole breadwinners.

To these victims, "we counsel and help them register their compliant with police," she says, adding, "Our drive is aimed at spreading awareness, but it is up to the victims to speak out.''

It was the United Nation's `Elimination of violence against women' campaign that prompted the Church to initiate one.

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