IT’S TIME TO BREAK THE CULTURAL NORMS, THE SILENCE AND TAKE ACTIONS.

In Vietnam, we all understand how the culture has been a thick wall that prevents people from doing certain things, including voicing up against violence and abusive behaviors. There are families, both women and men suffering from domestic violence and abuse, but rarely anyone of them is able to openly talk about it and seek help. Since it is “family business”, they oftentimes suffer the pain themselves and let the wrong-doings continue to happen. The expectations and responsibilities also play a big part in holding them back from reaching out.

On the other hand, those cultural norms have somehow given the abusers the “right” to carry out their actions. They may or may not admit it but it is their sense of entitlement that drives them to have those behaviors. All are in the name of culture.

That’s why it is important to create a platform for conversations to arise. Everyone deserves to be provided with all the information as well as the options they have regarding their issue.

Please educate yourself on this particular issue because we can’t be sure whether any of our beloved ones are/will be in that situation or even ourselves may someday get caught in it.

@Green House UN – 304 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi