STATEMENT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Kylie Hsu, Director, Chinese Studies Center California State University, Los Angeles, USA

As world citizens for human rights in the twenty-first century, most, if not all, of us are well aware of the fact that domestic violence is still quite pervasive in Taiwan, and yet there does not seem to be any effective legal recourse for abused victims. How can we call ourselves a civilized society if we do not even have various mechanisms to protect our own fellow citizens from such atrocious and senseless behavior? Sadly, our society has traditionally viewed, and even condoned, domestic violence. It is often treated as a family affair, and people are usually reluctant to intervene despite knowing that it could result in physical injuries, psychological trauma, or even death. Given how many family members are being abused by their own loved ones—including parents, spouses, and children—every day, we must advocate for the victims who often feel trapped, and assist them in finding avenues to seek help. We must also educate both the victims and their perpetrators, and, in fact, our entire society, that domestic violence is legally and morally unacceptable, and is subject to sanctions and criminal punishments. Equally important is our society's responsibility in promoting love and respect among family members, and in teaching them how to solve domestic conflicts through communication rather than through violence. I sincerely hope that through this World Summit we can act as the voice of all abused humans whose rights have been deprived by other human beings.