Ok, it has been far too long since I last posted. Sorry. You know how life gets sometimes...
However. Today, I have a TOPIC. *grin*
It is even of a serious, comment-on-politics-and-law kind of nature. I will not apologise for this. :)
Ok, I read in the paper at work yesterday that France has brought in a new law, making psychological violence a crime punishable by law. The sentence can be up to three years' imprisonment with a hefty fine (forgive me, I can't remember the exact value). SO basically, if someone is psychologically abusive (including threats of violence, manipulation... the whole kit and kaboodle) they can be imprisoned.
I'm all for it, personally. I wish Australia had a law like that three years ago. Having been a victim of psychological abuse at the hands of a boy who managed to control me completely for over two years, to the point that I attempted suicide out of horror for what I'd allowed to happen, I'm all for anything that would see people like that locked up. God knows they deserve it; no-one should be able to wield that kind of power.
But I am wondering just how effective this law would be. I mean, generally victims of abuse don't consider themselves a victim. I'm speaking from experience here; I never would have reported my ex. In my mind, at that time, I deserved it and it was my fault. So it would really, in most cases, be up to others to report the crime.
I think the French have done a good thing here. I think other countries should follow suit. But I just don't think it's going to work in practice. There are a lot of victims out there.
1 comment:
I'm all for it as well. However, I can also see a couple ways in which the system might be flawed. First, what you said about victims not knowing they are victims is true with most any kind of abuse. Usually it is the victims friends or family that try to get help for the person. Or the person just suffers in salience for a long time, thinking they deserve it.
The second possible flaw is those who "cry wolf". Teenagers and women and such who claim they are being abused when they are not and just want to sue someone for the money. You know ... the lazy people on welfare who hog all the government funding from those who really need and deserve it?
Nothing's perfect, but I do salute France and hope the rest of the world follows suit so at least there is help for the victims.
OH! And I love the new blog layout. Very pretty.
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