Russian Domestic Violence: Women Fight Back
Domestic violence has been an issue in Russia for years. There is a saying there: "if he beats you, it means he loves you."
In 2017, Russia decriminalized domestic abuse, and this meant police there do not do anything if someone is the victim of abuse. One woman had both her hands cut off by her husband and had to use her public story to pressure the police into giving him a linger sentence. In another case, a woman was killed by her husband, a police officer, and her body was later discovered by their son. Again, the police gave what seemed the mother of the woman who was killed not a harsh enough sentence for the crime. It was likely reduced because he was a police officer. Many women in prison are victims of domestic abuse who had no other choice but to defend themselves because the police would not.
Efforts are being made to change this. One member of the state Duma, Oksana Pushkina, is fighting to have the decriminalization law overturned and for Russia to pass a specific domestic abuse law. A young advertising executive, Elena Kalinina, and her team created a game that simulated an abusive relationship to give people the idea of what options are available in that situation (not many). There is also a website called No to Violence designed to tell abuse victims about their rights and where they can get help. Social media campaigns are also being used, including ads and videos of famous Russian men saying it is uncool to hit women.
In 2017, Russia decriminalized domestic abuse, and this meant police there do not do anything if someone is the victim of abuse. One woman had both her hands cut off by her husband and had to use her public story to pressure the police into giving him a linger sentence. In another case, a woman was killed by her husband, a police officer, and her body was later discovered by their son. Again, the police gave what seemed the mother of the woman who was killed not a harsh enough sentence for the crime. It was likely reduced because he was a police officer. Many women in prison are victims of domestic abuse who had no other choice but to defend themselves because the police would not.
Efforts are being made to change this. One member of the state Duma, Oksana Pushkina, is fighting to have the decriminalization law overturned and for Russia to pass a specific domestic abuse law. A young advertising executive, Elena Kalinina, and her team created a game that simulated an abusive relationship to give people the idea of what options are available in that situation (not many). There is also a website called No to Violence designed to tell abuse victims about their rights and where they can get help. Social media campaigns are also being used, including ads and videos of famous Russian men saying it is uncool to hit women.
Russian musician Vasya Oblomov holding a sign saying: "You mustn't beat women! Ever!"
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