Pin Drop Silence

Pin Drop Silence

"It is entirely your fault!"

"Don't tell anyone, you will just bring shame to our family".

Same victim, same story and unfortunately the same ending is the tale of every domestically abused daughter of Pakistan. There is no judge, no appeal, absolutely no one to fight for "her" rights but how can you drag her assailant to the court of justice when our society shamelessly believes that, with the power invested in him by the "norms of our society", he can do whatever he pleases to do with his wife? 

The daughter of Pakistan wipes her tears and then there is pin drop silence. According to the Survey by Violence against Women (VAW) , approximately 20.65% people don't even consider domestic violence as an important social issue in Pakistan. Moreover, 32.61% people think that the victim of abuse should only consider seeking legal help if the situation gets severe. The aforementioned statistics are itself a black mark on our faces and it not only hinders the progress of women in our society but also makes each and every one of us a criminal, regardless of gender. 

How will a woman in Pakistani society prosper if she has to face mental and physical assault?

She is asked to hide it, faces rejection and reprimanded by her closest family and even if she dares share her pain with her family, they just force her to "make up with her husband". 

The husband apologizes but does not change his ways, hence this cycle of abuse keeps on going. The parents of the girl are forced by many factors like extended family, social circle and the burden of the honour a girl has to bear at the cost of her self-esteem, self respect, mental and physical health. It is noteworthy that with every cycle, the girl starts to believe that it was actually her fault, dark thoughts taints her innocence in the form of depression and her tattered self image about herself is destroyed. The constitution of Pakistan gives woman every right to fight against domestic violence but I, as a woman of this nation ask you that do I really have the right to fight against the atrocities of the patriarchal society or must I hide it?

Because, it is wrong and will always be, to let her hide it with make up and clothes.

 We, as a society must realize the intensity of this issue because the lack of knowledge and the backward agenda that hangs like a dark shadow over every woman's life that they can be hit, will never let women live a happy married life. In a nutshell, it is imperative that we understand and acknowledge this issue with grave seriousness and play our role of saviour whether she is your neighbour, friend or cousin. Because, it is wrong and will always be, to let her hide it with makeup or clothes and a simple hand can save her from a lifetime of damage and nonredeemable scars both concealed and open. Now, what would you prefer, justice for the daughter of Pakistan or pin drop silence?