18
7DAYS
WEDNESDAY MAY 13, 2009
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The root
of all evil
One Saudi judge thinks women spending
victims of human trafficking. from Dubai’s Human Relations ments. She has seen cases where
She says despite advances made Institute, says it’s worrying when money troubles lead to violence.
too much deserve a slap, but is money ever
around the world, there are still anyone in power tries to justify “We’ve had a few recent cases
some who believe violence against violence. He says men who attack where women have been attacked
an excuse for violence? Asks Eve Dugdale
women is acceptable. their wives regularly use excuses, by very violent partners and
“It disappoints me over and over such as spending money, to defend they’ve mentioned financial
and this is why my work has been their behaviour. problems. We have not had any
M
ost of us have had arguments spoke out about their disgust. a struggle for so many years,” “Many times a person will need an proof that the attacks were because
with our husbands or wives One activist Wajeha Al-Huwaider she adds. excuse to express their innermost of money, but a study in the United
about money. told CNN that Saudi women “I am working with a woman right feelings. I’m very concerned when States revealed when the economy
There’s a recession on, it’s a routinely face such attitudes. now who’s been in a marriage for people come up with excuses for is bad and people are suffering
sensitive issue and if we’re Sharla Musabih, founder and 20 years, who thought it was violence and abuse - that is never a from money problems, they tend
spending on unnecessary items we director of Dubai’s United Hope shameful to admit she was being winning situation for either party,” to have more emotional and social
can expect a confrontation. UAE women’s shelter says there’s abused. She had been made to he says. problems inside their marriage,”
But to be physically attacked for never an excuse for violence. believe she couldn’t expose it. “In times like these (recession), we she adds.
excessive buying, that’s taking it “I think it’s absolutely outrageous, “She thought she had to hold the don’t see more problems because “I’m sure when you’re happier and
too far. I’m very disappointed in this type family together and stay in the of money, we see more problems able to support your family you’re
When a judge in Saudi this week of repeated attitude that comes out marriage for the children. But that are already there that happen more in control of yourself.
said it was acceptable to slap your of Saudi,” she says. sometimes staying in the marriage to come out when money is an “If you have inner violence in you
wife if she spent lavishly, he “This is a terrible example and a for the children and tolerating such open door for expressing stress it will come out when you’re in
provoked outrage the world over. real step back for women’s rights. violence, creates a cycle, which is and disapproval. economic difficulties.”
Hamad Al-Razine, also an Islamic Thousands of men who see this really dangerous.” “There are people who will use
cleric, was speaking at a seminar story are now going to say, ‘I’ve got According to reports, the judge various mandates and misinterpret If you’re affected by domestic
on domestic violence when he this in writing - a judge says it’s OK who made the remark was them to justify wrongdoing. violence and need help email
made the shocking statement. to hit your wife.’” attempting to explain why But, there’s no law, religious or civil, unitedhopesharla@gmail.com or
The women in the audience Sharla works with all kinds of incidents of domestic violence had that justifies harming another visit www.unitedhopeuae. org
immediately protested and women in distress, from those increased in the kingdom. person in any shape or form.” Anyone requiring emergency help
Saudi women’s rights activists suffering from domestic violence to Raymond Hamden, a psychologist Sharla echoes Raymond’s senti- can contact them on 050 281 0574
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