NEVER OKAY

had no idea what happened after the ruckus that was recorded and went viral.

I can’t seem to understand why physical abuse is still an issue today, when it should have been something left in the past.

How many times do we need to remind ourselves and others around us that hitting a woman, or any other person for the matter, is never the solution to problems?

It is frightening to come to a realisation that many people these days are so bold in their actions. Most have no regard whatsoever for anyone watching; if they feel like it, they raise their hands. No questions asked.

Clearly, this is nothing to be proud of. A man who raises his hand on a woman or a child is a coward who is too afraid of doing the right thing. Women and children are usually weaker physically, and most would not dream of trying to even the score when a man abuses them. Thus, they end up being punching bags when a man needs to vent his frustration on others.

I am not generalising, nor am I saying that abuse is caused only by men. Not all men are the same, and not all men raise their hands on others. There are many decent men out there who believe that there is nothing more repulsive than physically hurting others. There are also a number of women who abuse their partners and/or children. The only reason why we don’t hear a lot about this is because they are not reported as much.

We pride ourselves on being a country reaching developed status, yet our mentality is no different from that of a nation with no morals and respect for each other.

We pride ourselves on being people who are forward-thinking, yet our actions are no different from those who are narrow-minded and intolerant.

We pride ourselves on being progressive and enlightened, yet our behaviour is no different from one who holds and acts on beliefs that are archaic.

It doesn’t matter what gender you are. Hitting a person is outright wrong and should never be condoned, unless in self-defence. No one has the right to go around slapping or punching others, no matter the circumstances.

If we were in the early 20th century where there was a lack of mutual respect and understanding of human rights, perhaps this wouldn’t have been a big deal. It was quite common then for women to be physically abused because there was no one and most definitely no law that highlighted the wrongness of abuse. Many people then weren’t aware of their basic human rights. Men were okay with raising their hands and women just accepted in painful silence.

However, this is not how the world works today. Things have changed for the better (most things anyway), and people are more aware of what is right and wrong, and how one deserves to be treated. We now dare to speak up when wronged, and are not afraid of standing up for ourselves. Yet, despite this, there are some who still do the unthinkable.

It’s time we stopped keeping mum and start defending our rights.

Report those who abuse and fight for those who are abused.