Domestic violence is one of the most severe yet unreported crimes, it refers to any violence that occurs in a domestic setting, physically or mentally and can affect anyone of any age, gender and ethnicity. This issue can be clearly seen in the book and is still present in today’s time. The ongoing presence of domestic violence helps establish that not much action has been taken and must be considered properly. Many people even question why the victims choose to stay and not just flee. This mindset restricts any action or progress in diminishing violence in general, making the victims feel as if they must be strong and push through easily. This mindset also belittles any dangers around the idea of fleeing. Many thinks of it as simple, however, it is much more than just getting up and walking away from it. We have not been silenced, we are uncaged and therefore, it is our job to show them that we can see the silent pandemic in the society, and we can see their sufferings.
Clearly visible in the book, Mayella Ewell is a victim of domestic violence. Although the author has not stated specifically, certain factors attribute to the notion. Mayella Ewell is a nineteen-year-old girl, living with her father, Bob Ewell and her other siblings. While posing as the mother figure for her siblings, Mayella has already lost her freedom. Stated by Mission Australia in 2019, more than 1.5 million women have experienced physical violence since they were only fifteen. Throughout multiple chapters in the second part of the novel, Harper Lee has demonstrated events which showcases the effects of domestic violence. Mayella Ewell falsely accused Tom Robinson, a black man, of rape. However, throughout the trial multiple statements insinuate that she was forced by her own father, the very man who should have been protecting her, and the very man who should be doing his best to take care of his children. Mayella was obviously afraid…afraid of losing the trial and facing vain consequences herself. Many of us are aware of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. However, I can bet that not many of us actually know about the importance and the extent of financial or economical abuse. Restricting someone of general human necessities such as controlling their income, food intake and spending are all examples of what most victims go through. Lee has only shown a snippet of what occurred, giving light into what happens in reality, where everyone has no idea of what someone goes through behind the scenes. Mayella’s presence during the trial caused fury in many people, only focusing on what they can see and ignoring the fact that she was abused. Her lack of freedom and rights at that time were experienced by many others, excused as a private family matter. Hurt people, hurt people because of what they have seen, growing up and thinking that it is right. Many people also refuse to intervene, assuming it is not their place. We as a society should learn to understand that we have failed these people, we have failed to protect them from their loved ones, and we have failed to educate our youth about this topic.
In respect to the novel, this issue still resides today. Many victims are afraid to speak out, fearing the consequences. Onlookers tend to assume that the process is simple and often disregards the risks. In a real-life situation, would you try to make any move that could possibly danger your life and anger your abuser more? That is the position in which many victims are faced with. One must also take into consideration that the victims all face different outcomes, some blinded by love while others forced to accept their state. In circumstances which the victim does succeed in escaping, trauma will always follow them. The fear could never go away, the scar would be there forever. Domestic violence is not a matter to be taken lightly and this can be supported with current articles. Similarly with Mayella, women across the world today are abused by the men in their life, meant to protect them. Ranging from police officers, fathers to husbands. How would you feel if someone you trusted; someone you offered your heart to suddenly betray you? Not only does the pain given by a partner makes someone question their worth but also their whole existence. Questions about their self-worth is inevitable, abusers not only aim for physical pain but also emotional and spiritual. Many of these women still suffer even after fleeing, with over 75% of women being killed after they leave their abusive households, stated by Jana Kasperkevic. Many of these victims chose to accept their fate, thinking that they have nowhere else to go to as they are financially dependent on their abuser. In addition, a surplus of these cases has currently occurred, regarding to the current global disease, Covid-19. A report by Jennifer Neil shows that the searches relating to support and help for domestic violence increased by 75%. This shocking statistic reveal that even if victims desire to leave, they are forced to stay and are restricted from seeking help.
To conclude, I once again thank the Voices of Youth Forum for letting me speak out about this topic and talk in place for those who are not able to. I hope you take this into deep consideration. We have now been able to realise the lack of change in our society. Therefore, it is now our job as a society to work through this crisis together, to create a better future for our youth and give hope to those who are still held captive by their partners or loved ones.
