In a saccharin sweet sickening display of hypocrisy, Vladimir Putin congratulated Russian women on The International Women’s Day, March 8, 2017. Here is an excerpt from his ‘President of Russia’ propaganda website saluting women. Putin says:
“You fill this world with beauty and vitality, giving warmth and comfort, cordiality and harmony with your tenderness and generosity of spirit … women also need men’s support. We will remember that always, not only today. We will do our outmost to surround the women we love with care and attention, so that they can smile more often …”
He left out a postscript:
And by the way, we just royally fucked you by passing a law that categorizes your life as worthless — but congrats on your big day!
Yulia Bragina and Sophia Jones with USA Today write:
On February 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a controversial law that decriminalized domestic abuse for first-time offenders who do not inflict bodily harm requiring hospital treatment. Prior to Putin signing the bill, abusers faced up to two years in prison. Now, if found guilty in court, abusers could face a fine of between $85 and $500, 15 days in jail or compulsory work.
Here is as Now This short clip on the bill Putin signed.
Domestic violence kills at least 12,000 women in Russia yearly, according to Human Rights Watch. That’s more than 32 women murdered every day. To give some comparison, in the United States three to four women are killed daily by a spouse/boyfriend/husband/intimate partner, which in itself is horrific. Multiply that by almost 10X and you have Russia. And now Putin just made it easier to murder women.
One particular 2016 case in Russia drew much attention. Last November, a 36-year-old Russian hairdresser Yana Savchuk called the police claiming her partner was threatening to kill her. The police officers that arrived essentially spat in her face.
“If you get killed, we will definitely come to examine the body,” one police officer said, as recorded on the victim’s phone, before leaving without offering protection. “Do not worry.”
Savchuk was found beaten and murdered only 45 minutes later, by the man the police refused to arrest.
Official Russian Interior Ministry statistics point to 4 million reported cases of domestic abuse in 2015. That statistic does not include the likely high number of unreported cases — many women in Russia, and around the world, do not report domestic abuse because of feelings of shame or fear of retribution.
One of the many disturbing factors about this bill is that the Russian Orthodox Church is staunchly backing the law. They have long advocated for less interference in family affairs. In a 2015 statement, the church’s commission on family affairs said, “We think that the term ‘domestic violence’ is connected to ideas of radical feminism where a man is often portrayed as a potential aggressor.”
A male police officer that choses to remain anonymous said in some cases, police officers fine the women who call for help, “the equivalent of $40 if officers interpret claims as slander.” The intimate partner accused of threatening a woman’s life is often “let off the hook.”
It’s another incredibly disturbing story regarding domestic violence and it needs be told and shared not only during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but every month. Vladimir Putin is an enemy to women not only in Russia — but around the world. And if Putin can influence our elections and our president, he can influence our policies. And we already know how Donald Trump feels about women.
If you are in an abusive relationship or know someone who is, there is help. Please do not let this story or other stories of domestic violence deter or discourage you from seeking help. And there is help. You can call anonymously or go online and visit National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.SAFE. If your life is in immediate danger, call 911. And remember always — it’s not your fault.