Russia is considering the unthinkable: decriminalizing domestic abuse! The new bill that is being discussed in parliament right now would have a first offence, that doesn't cause serious injury to the victim to be an administrative offence rather than a criminal one.
This horrible proposal threatens all women who are victims of domestic violence and puts the country back decades in the fight for women's rights. In a country where 36000 women are beaten daily and 12000 die annually due to domestic abuse, this bill is a serious threat to women's safety and wellbeing.
This is completely unacceptable. Women have the right to live without the threat or reality of violence and must be protected from domestic violence.
Luckily, you can help! Sign today to send a strong message to the Russian Duma to let them know that women's safety and well being are incredibly important and that the world is watching and will not stand idly by and watch women's rights be eroded.
*Photo Credit: Feminist Majority Foundation
To The Russian Duma,
As someone who cares greatly for women's rights, I am deeply concerned about the recent proposal to decriminalize first offences that do not result in serious injuries in domestic violence cases.
Domestic violence, whether it causes serious injury or not, whether it is a first offence or not, causes deep psychological damage to the victim and must remain criminalized. This proposal is backwards thinking that will only weaken the rights and safety of women in Russia.
Russia has come a long way in its battle for women's rights and has a long way to go still. However, this proposal would put it so much further back and disregard current research and information regarding women's health and the effects of domestic violence.
I urge you to vote down this proposed bill immediately and protect women's rights.
[Your Comment Here]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
