00:00Domestic violence can take many forms, not just physical abuse.
00:05Attorney at law, Prakash Ramadhar, says it can be about control and isolation,
00:11emotional abuse and financial abuse and said it's important for people to support victims
00:17instead of passing judgment. Ramadhar, who is currently representing the woman detained,
00:23then later released in connection with the shooting death of businessman Steve Ghani Jr.
00:29at his Sumat Gardens San Fernando home last week, says domestic violence is a complex issue.
00:36During a press conference called on Friday to highlight issues of domestic violence,
00:42Ramadhar firstly gave this statement.
00:44The DPP have an issue that she should be released without charge.
00:49And it would be inappropriate for me to go into any details of that matter, except to say,
00:55where that young lady went through the most horrible of agonies, and I will put it in this way,
01:04of all the horrible things that could have occurred that morning, the least of it did.
01:09Standing alongside clinical psychologist Dr. Valini Pandit and President of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers,
01:16says Saira Lackan, Ramadhar says domestic violence is far too prevalent in TNT,
01:22and they are volunteering themselves to partner with organizations or schools to educate people
01:28on how to recognize domestic violence, prevent it, and safeguard oneself or others.
01:34And when the mass drops, and they show parts of themselves that are fighting and shopping,
01:40please understand we cannot fix them.
01:44It is not your responsibility.
01:46We are all individually responsible for our own emotions and regulation.
01:50And someone's inability to self-regulate is not your burden to carry.
01:55Clinical psychologist Dr. Valini Pandit says,
02:03Leaving is not a moment of empowerment that we might see in movies.
02:08It's often the most dangerous part in an abusive relationship.
02:13The risk of severe violence and even death increases when victims try to leave.
02:18So when we ask, why didn't she just leave?
02:22What we are really asking is, why didn't she take a risk that could have cost her her life?
02:28And that is not a fear question.
02:30It's not an informed one.
02:32She says while seeking legal protection is a must, early intervention is important too.
02:39And you do not have to have everything figured out before you begin protecting yourself.
02:45Leaving does not happen all at once.
02:47Sometimes safety begins with planning and preparation.
02:51A first step might be quietly beginning to record or document when incidents happen.
02:57Tell one trusted person.
03:00Secure important documents.
03:03Set aside small resources if you can.
03:05Identify a safe place.
03:08And of course reaching out for professional help.
03:11She says domestic violence is a public health issue and a psychological crisis.
03:17Making it a societal problem which requires stronger support systems,
03:22better protection or enforcement for victims and education about healthy relationships.
03:29Cindy Raguba Tika Singh, TV6 News.
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