Forum urges male victims to spea k out --__:____.~ ·-

People normaU y associate family domestic violence with women be ing the pr ime victims, but in several cases, men endure the brunt of domestic violence as well. T o throw light on this sensitive issue, Sanlrnt

:Mochan Samiti (SMS) organized a discussion forum titled ' Domestic Violence - Male Perspective' in conjunction with Relacionship Australia Victoria (RAV) on April 21 at the office of tl1e Consulate Gene ral of Jndia in J'vlelbourne. SMS is an organization that offe r s spiritual and moral assistance to the community, including support tO victims of domestic viol ence.

The forum was officially launched b y Dr Sunila Shrivasrnva, President of Sl'vfS who stated mac one o f the prime objectives of tl1e organisation is to complement the activities of various other groups in tl1e commun ity that focus on providi n g assistance to ,,i ctims of domestic violence. Otl1er major attendees were Mr Rakesh Kawra, Vice Consul; Mr Simon Curran from RAV and Dr Dinesh Sood from SMS, who orchestrated the discussion.

In a society where men are generally cons idered s uperior to women, it does come as a surprise mat domestic vio lence against men is prevalent in all divisions of society. It is a concern me governme nt has failed to identify with, thus resulting in uncertain laws co protect men from any form of domestic abuse which can occur in me form of economic, emotional, se:1.-ual, physical and verbal vio lence.

In a survey conducted in tl1e mid nineties b y tl1e Sa ve Family Foundation, about 95% of men in India admitted tO facing some form of domestic violence either from their wi fe or in -Jaws.

An imp or tant observation brought up at the forum was mat the Australian immigration law fail s ro provide adequate protection to me spouse on a dependent visa, and social welfare assistance to those on a temporary visa. Therefore in extreme situatio n s, it becomes me

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Mob il e : 04 17 379224 moral obligation of community organisations suc h as SMS to provide necessary support to cbe victims The general consensus of the fonun was diat male v ictims should have the courage to seep out of d1e shadows and speak up rad1er than suffer in silence, because the only way tl1is problem can be addressed bj' the government is by bringing i t om in tl1e open, thereby creating awareness in tlle commu nity. SMS has been making a conscious effort co deal with d1e i ssue of domestic violence against men in a thoroughly professional manner and have created Sankat Nfochan Kendra on 05 \X1indsor Ave, Mt \X'averley, wherein volunteers offer support and guide victims in seeking professional assistance from appropriate sou rces.

For further information or assi sta nce, please contact Dr Sunila Shrivastava at 0427 274 462, or email : ashriv@grnail.com.

Sujith Krishnan

Sant Mat is a practical spiritual path based on meditation on the inner Light and Sound, ethical values, service to others and love for all creation. Its goal .is to enable the soul to return and merge into its source; the purpose of human life described by mystics of all traditions. Focus and sincerity are essential, as is the help of tl1e living spiritual Master. l(j,ow Thyselfas Soul Foundation is a non-profit incorporated association. It offers its services fre e of , harge. For further information call 1800 462 193 or v isi t www. san tmat.net.au

~1used to thin k that all mortg age brokers are the sam e ..•. until I met Swati" - Koma /