The relationship between a woman and her society is complex and multifaceted.
Women are dependent on their society and vice versa. Throughout history, women have faced various challenges and social expectations that have shaped their roles and opportunities within their communities. Societal norms, cultural beliefs, and legal frameworks have often influenced how women are perceived, treated, and valued.
The productivity of a woman is dependent on the flow from without, that's why the stand of a woman in a community goes a long way to determine the health and wealth of that community. Our community needs to put structures in place to militate against domestic violence, of which one of such is the visibility of women's space in the world affairs. This will change the psychological defect in the general public and help curb domestic violence. Let's engage some practical ways our community can support women escaping domestic violence.
Practical ways communities can support women escaping domestic violence
It all boils down to the society, we must take it for what it is. Domestic violence is never a means to test women's endurance neither does it show the strength in a woman. Violence is violence, there's nothing else to call it. The community needs to support women who survives such and be a voice for them.
Raise Awareness
Educate the community on the issue of domestic violence; its signs and its impact. Host workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to promote understanding and empathy. In recent times, there has been progress towards achieving gender equality and empowering women. Let's paint the picture clearly, been a weak vessel does not mean lack of power. Women's position in power is one way society can help support women escaping abuse. Only a woman can understands the weight of domestic violence on women. when the society allows women to be in power, matters of women will be judged right without any bias view. The need to put women in position, promote women's rights, and increase in representation in various fields will help create a more inclusive and supportive society for women.
Empowerment Programs
Raise funds or collaborate with local businesses to provide financial aid to survivors, helping them gain independence and start afresh. Employment and skill training will facilitate job placement programs for them. Also skill development workshops to empower survivors to become financially self-sufficient. We need to organize empowerment workshops and sessions to build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience in survivors, thereby empowering them to rebuild their lives. We also need to establish safe houses or shelters where survivors can find refuge and support and collaborate with local authorities and organizations to ensure these spaces are well-equipped and secure.
Emotional Support
Create support groups or counseling services to help survivors cope with the emotional trauma of leaving an abusive environment. A writer said and I quote:" One way to heal from an abuse is to leave the abusive environment". A change of environment is the key to healing from an abuse. It's called strength not weaknesses, separation isn't a divorce. The time to change the narration in our community is now and see to how we can create an escape route for women going through domestic abuse. Emotional healing begins with receiving women trying to escape such and giving the them full support needed, not making them feel less of a woman but building their strength and honoring their decision to escape. When such receptive structure is there for women there will be a quick healing and recovery.
Networking and Collaboration
The need to allow such women in the community to network and collaborate. Let them be involved and allowed to stretch and explore their potentials as women. They have something to give, they are not less of woman. Networking and collaborating with the society enhances quick healing. Their partnership other, government agencies, NGOs and community groups to form a strong network that can collectively address the issue of domestic violence and provide comprehensive support is a way to heal quickly.
Educational Initiatives
Advocate for education on healthy relationships in schools and colleges to prevent future incidents of domestic violence. We call it dealing from domestic violence from the grassroot. This is one way to completely eradicate domestic violence in our community. Totally discouraging unhealthy relationships among boys and girls. This must stop! and it can stop. Relationship is not for weak minds; not for boys and girls. Two matured minds coming together makes an healthy and strong union, the need to educate young minds and make things work in our society. When the need for a thing is not known, it's will be abused definitely. We need to let the man-child know that the need for a woman will come up later in life by itself, creating the need won't meet the need at all. Waiting for the right time makes things work out beautifully. We need to let them know this.
CONCLUSION
Together we can make it work. Let's team up as a community. Women have us as a support and voice and let's be such to them. Let's fully support their move to escape domestic violence and help their stand against it.