For Crying Out Loud

I hope this painting speaks to you of the awful dilemma and upheaval faced by someone who is abused, and of their need for compassionate help and... more

by Mathilde Vhargon

Title

For Crying Out Loud

Artist

Mathilde Vhargon

Medium

Digital Art - Digital Painting

Description

I hope this painting speaks to you of the awful dilemma and upheaval faced by someone who is abused, and of their need for compassionate help and understanding; but more than that, of the need for society to enforce and follow through with laws that can stop bullying and abuse instead of leaving the abused to suffer or face the choice of leaving home and community in order to seek safety and peace, while the lawbreaker remains supported and does not experience reasonable consequences of their actions. In what other crime does society expect the victim to endure serious hardship, dishonor, and loss while allowing the criminal their privilege and freedom? This is in honour of the people I have met in those circumstances, of the sickeningly constant statistics--2 women every week on average who are killed by their partners, and of one in particular who made the tough choices, fought hard to help and educate others, and who died in the process of working toward a dream of counselling other victims. She was a shining light, but she did not receive justice. There are many like her, and still far too few receive justice. No matter your social status or neighbourhood, bullying and abuse are happening in homes around you. The abusers and abused might look like you on the surface, and abusers might be likeable pillars of the community. They often hide what is happening behind closed doors. People should not have to live in fear. Often when they leave, they pay the price with their lives or the lives of their children. If you can do anything to help stop this disgrace, do it.

Uploaded

August 13th, 2012