Nuns aid victims of domestic violence

[MAITRI]

Some Catholic nuns are helping victims of domestic violence find
freedom and dignity in Maharashtra.

“Now I have a peaceful life,” says Sushila Abhiyankar, who left her
abusive husband two years ago unable to withstand torture by him and
his relatives.

The 37-year-old Hindu woman now works as a nursing assistant in a
dispensary after a brief training course offered by a social service
center managed by the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate in
Nagpur, Maharashtra state.

“I put up with humiliation and harassment for 17 years for the sake of
my only son, but when he too began to beat me, it was too much for
me,” she said.

She said she had no idea about her future when she walked out of her
marriage. The Salesian nuns “helped me rebuild my shattered life,” she
said.

Salesian Sister Clare Agnes, who co-ordinates a family counseling cell
in Nagpur, said their Vishwodaya Multi-Purpose Social Service Society
offers counseling and vocational training to help domestic violence
victims.

http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/03/09/nuns-aid-victims-of-domestic-violence