French bishops issue appeal after reports of rising domestic violence

Published: 2003-10-13

PARIS (CNS) -- French bishops have appealed for action to protect women after reports of increased domestic violence. "How long will our society support these innumerable acts of violence, leaving their victims abandoned to their suffering, reduced to silence, thwarted in their desire to live?" the bishops' social commission asked in a statement. "We urge all Christians and people of good will to become aware of these acts of violence in order to restore dignity, identity and liberty to those suffering from them," they said. The statement was issued to coincide with a report, "Violence Against Women," compiled by researchers from church-backed women's groups. It said the issue had reached "the heart of topicality" after the Aug. 1 death of actress Marie Trintignant after she suffered severe head injuries. Her boyfriend was being held in Lithuania on suspicion of manslaughter. The bishops criticized the government for pardoning perpetrators of domestic violence, while strictly punishing those charged with cruelty to animals. "In today's France, would it be less risky to beat your wife than your dog?" the bishops asked.

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