International Women’s Day: Opportunity to Address Violence against Russian Women

March 8^th marks International Women’s Day which always serves as an occasion to discuss women’s issues in any countries around the world. Russia is no different; however, one issue that bears discussion will most likely make people uncomfortable. That issue is the one of domestic violence.

The statistics tell a grim tale – every year more than 14,000 Russian women are killed by relatives, partners or ex-partners. That’s one Russian woman every hour. The crime of domestic violence happens to women of every religion and ethnic background. The statistics are even more chilling when you consider that the number of Soviet soldiers killed over a 10 year period in Afghanistan is roughly the same amount as the number of Russian women who die from domestic violence every year.

It’s no wonder that some Russian women look outside of their own country for marriage opportunities, although, the problem is a worldwide one not limited just to Russia. But laws in Russia make it difficult for women to come forward when they are attacked or feel threatened. 70 percent of Russian women said they have been abused in one form or another by their husbands according to a survey from Moscow State University.

Maybe this year as the world celebrates International Women’s Day; efforts can be made not only in Russia, but around the world to try to stop the cycle of violence against women by raising public awareness about this very serious issue.

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