BELLARY, Nov 25: “Let’s make all homes, institutions and work places safe for women and children”, urged Bishop of Bellary Henry D’Souza.
Bishop was giving his presidential message during a function held on Nov. 24 to mark the Day of No Violence against Women held at Mahila Dhama, Bellary.
“There is far too much violence against women and girls in our society. The situation is more serious among the poorer and socially disadvantaged sections”, observed Bishop D’Souza.
“Violence against women in public influences directly and also reinforces negative attitudes towards women and girls in families and institutions. Also what is portrayed in media often gets reflected in personal relationships”, stated Bishop.
“The same way, persons exposed to violence against women and girls in the domestic sphere, tend to accept it as a matter of fact in institutions and public sphere”, Bishop opined.
“The Holy Bible clearly states that all men and women are created in the image and likeness of God. They have equal dignity and respect”, affirmed Bellary Bishop.
“Violence be it domestic or public, lessens self esteem of women and makes them more vulnerable, causing untold pain and suffering, stunting their growth and effectiveness”, Bishop said.
“All out effort should be made to sensitize all the school children and youth through educational institutions and youth associations to the fact that all humans have equal dignity; none have any right to be brutal and have recourse to violence for any reason”, asserted Bishop.
“Women, more especially the children and young, should be encouraged to speak up when they are made to suffer indignity and violence through life coping skills”, asserted the Bishop.
Bishop D’Souza urged NGOs and Women’s Self-help Groups to assist Victims of domestic and public violence through legal aid and counseling”
Earlier, advocate Vijayalaaxmi spoke on ‘Women and Law’ and social activist Narayan on ‘Elimination of Violence Against women’. Good Shepherd Sister Shalini introduced the programme.
The Shrine of Bellary Arogya Mathe was blessed and dedicated on 8th September 2000 on the feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother Mary in memory of the great jubilee 2000 and the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Bellary