Zonta Club II Hosts Program on Invisible Scars of Emotional Abuse

• The Zonta Club II of Colombo recently hosted an impactful program focused on "Raising Awareness, Understanding and Preventing Emotional Abuse" under the theme, "Some Scars Are Invisible – Speak Up, Seek Support." • The event aimed to train first responders, including police, teachers, and HR professionals, to compassionately identify and support victims. • Legal Insights: Attorney-at-Law Jerusha Crosette-Thambiah highlighted limited legal protection for women in property matters solely registered under the husband's name. She strongly advised couples to maintain joint bank accounts and shared ownership, stressing that financial independence is essential for security. • Psychological Impact: Clinical Psychologist Dr. Ransirini De Silva explained that emotional abuse leaves invisible scars but causes deep trauma, long-term mental health issues, and can unintentionally pass distress to children. She noted key warning signs like fearfulness, withdrawal, and low self-confidence. • Societal & Workplace Stress: Speakers discussed the burden on working women balancing professional life and homemaking, citing issues like gender bias, rivalry, and societal pressure leading to emotional strain. • The program formed part of Zonta's global "16 Days of Activism" campaign against violence towards women.