HELEN REDMAN, DIRECTOR
NEWSLETTER
March 2003
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HELEN REDMAN, DIRECTOR NEWSLETTER March 2003 |
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April 28 -- May 7, 2003 Women of EcuadorAlthough the law prohibits violence against women, including within marriage, it is a widespread practice. Many rapes go unreported because of the victim's reluctance to confront the perpetrators. Women may file complaints against a rapist or an abusive spouse or companion only if they produce a witness. In cases of statutory rape involving "amorous" sex with a minor, if the rapist marries the victim, the charges against him or anyone else who took part in the rape cannot be pursued unless the marriage is subsequently annulled. While some communities have established their own centers for counseling and legal support of abused women, the Government only began to address this question seriously with the formation of the "Comisaria de la Mujer," or Women's Bureau, in 1994. Although this office can accept complaints about abuse of women, it has no authority to act on them itself. However, the Women's Bureau doubled the number of its outreach offices and actively referred abuse cases to prosecutors.The 1995 Law Against Violence Affecting Women and Children, drafted by a coalition of women's organizations, criminalized spousal abuse of the first time, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. It also created family courts and reformed the Penal Code to give courts the power to remove an abusive spouse from the home. Ecuador CultureAbout 40% of Ecuador's present population are Indians, and another 40% are Mestizos.The predominant religion is Roman Catholic, but there is a scattering of other Christian faiths. Spanish is the main language, although most highland Indians are bilingual, with Quechua being their preferred language and Spanish their second tongue. Several small lowland groups speak their own languages. English is understood in the best hotels and in airline offices and travel agencies, but it's of little use elsewhere. The MissionEsther McMasters and Regina Blount will travel with me to Ecuador. We will be working with Missionary Chris Ranalli who is making arrangements for the seminars.If you would like to be part of the team in making these seminars possible, please designate on you check "Ecuador". A full report will be featured in the June newsletter. MARION MALE REPORTSExcerpts from Marion's newsletter: "Labasa looks more like a bomb had hit, many people lost everything. The N.C.T.C. site is safe, what a miracle. I have heard lots of testimonies that came out of this tragedy. The following is just one of many."A Story from Siberia Area:Ps. Koko Sighn met a Hindu man who had his house devastated by Hurricane Ami. He had gone to the Red Cross, Government offices and anywhere he could for help but none was given. When he saw Ps. Robinson and others in the Siberia church beginning to help the people nearby, the man was really touched. He spoke to Koko and said (with tears in his eyes) "See no one could help me with my problem, yet I have seen now your God is real. He is different from our gods. From now on you will see my face in your church, not because I want something from you, but just because I can see your God is real by what your people are doing." We are expecting for him to say the next time he talks, not Your God, but My God. Praise God for the witness of all that has been happening. By their fruits you will know them. |
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Your financial contributions toward travel expenses for the seminars are greatly appreciated. Please designate on your check the seminar you wish to help with. We'd love to hear from you:
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