Canarian Weekly
30-11-2012, 11:30
VICTIMS of domestic violence won’t have to pay inflated court-case taxes relating to their situation.
Fears that new, increased costs of taking legal action against a violent partner would ensure more people being forced to stay silent. Thus, they would be unable to escape the violence.
But Ana Mato,Britain’s Health Minister, has confirmed that the additional fees, which means, for instance, that appealing against a parking fine will cost twice as much as the actual penalty, will not apply in such cases.
She has also announced plans to set up a “one-stop shop” in every town, at which victims of domestic violence would be able to get help, legal advice and assistance, as well as counselling and protection.
InSpain, one in three women murdered loses her life at the hands of her current or former husband or boyfriend.
This year, 43 women have already died inSpainthrough domestic abuse, the most recent being a 13-year-old girl inAlbacete. She was shot dead by her 39-year-old “boyfriend”, who committed suicide when caught by the police.
These statistics may even be higher, since many women do not report their ordeal for fear of reprisal.
That’s because they do not have a job – which would enable them to live independently – and they fear destitution and poverty.
In certain cultures, it is accepted it as part and parcel of a woman’s lot in life – or they are too ashamed to seek help.
Experts say this is often the case among Muslim women, who are led to believe their treatment is the norm and that they would be unable to leave their husbands without bringing shame on the family.
Statistics about male victims of domestic abuse in either same-sex or mixed-sex couples are rare. That, say experts, is because men are too embarrassed, and fear emasculation
More... (http://www.canarianweekly.com/taxing-time-victims-brutality/)
Fears that new, increased costs of taking legal action against a violent partner would ensure more people being forced to stay silent. Thus, they would be unable to escape the violence.
But Ana Mato,Britain’s Health Minister, has confirmed that the additional fees, which means, for instance, that appealing against a parking fine will cost twice as much as the actual penalty, will not apply in such cases.
She has also announced plans to set up a “one-stop shop” in every town, at which victims of domestic violence would be able to get help, legal advice and assistance, as well as counselling and protection.
InSpain, one in three women murdered loses her life at the hands of her current or former husband or boyfriend.
This year, 43 women have already died inSpainthrough domestic abuse, the most recent being a 13-year-old girl inAlbacete. She was shot dead by her 39-year-old “boyfriend”, who committed suicide when caught by the police.
These statistics may even be higher, since many women do not report their ordeal for fear of reprisal.
That’s because they do not have a job – which would enable them to live independently – and they fear destitution and poverty.
In certain cultures, it is accepted it as part and parcel of a woman’s lot in life – or they are too ashamed to seek help.
Experts say this is often the case among Muslim women, who are led to believe their treatment is the norm and that they would be unable to leave their husbands without bringing shame on the family.
Statistics about male victims of domestic abuse in either same-sex or mixed-sex couples are rare. That, say experts, is because men are too embarrassed, and fear emasculation
More... (http://www.canarianweekly.com/taxing-time-victims-brutality/)