It's inevitable that I get all excited about a cause from time to time, in addition to the primary cause to which I've dedicated my life. For example, right now, I think a lot about battered women. Their pain and suffering break my heart and make me want to reach out to help. I seriously doubt there are any shelters here in Ocotlan to which women and children can flee for safety. It certainly merits investigation. I need to know where to send people. If one doesn't exist, I want to do my part in founding one or helping someone else do so.
It's a thankless and often misunderstood endeavor. It's frustrating because of the statistics that prove most women return to abusive situations and the violence only gets worse. It's also very controversial, since there are still a lot of idiots out there who think that other people should stay out of the marriage problems of others. I agree, until those problems begin to endanger the mental and physical health of the defenseless women and children.
From a theological point of view, the law was instituted by God who authorizes the government to legislate and execute justice for the victims. In this particular scenario, the police have every right to arrest and detain anyone who causes physical or mental harm to others, even if the violence is intrafamilial.
I will continue to stand by the side of the victims, in spite of the unwritten cultural code here in Mexico that allows and ignores this phenomenon. Fortunately, in recent years new laws have addressed this issue and the government has launched a huge media campaign telling women everywhere to no be silent.
In addition, I've spoken with several people and it appears that the social acceptance is waning and this crime is being punished with efficiency and severity. I say it's centuries too late.