I had to stop several times to wipe tears, yes wipe tears, after reading Daphne Caruana Galizia’s article about violence in family (The horror of home, TMID, 19 July).

This is a living reality and I am afraid to say that on average in our tiny island of over 400,000 inhabitants, the problem is on the high side of the scale.

Women are submitted to such degrading humiliation in their homes; they are treated as if they are not human beings. To start with, humans are humans and there shouldn’t be any distinction between gender whatsoever. If any distinction is to be made, then one has to classify brutes with no moral conscience and human beings who just want to live a life based on respect and love.

Violence can come from any human being, but sadly enough, men are more of the abusive type than women.

Violence comes in various forms, not necessarily bodily harm. And wicked shrewd men have a way of manipulating their wives. They spend a life scheming and destroying their spouses, where if anything, they should share their frustrations and anger with their wives to walk this life together.

Yes it is saddening, meeting intelligent men who just pretend to be the holy of holies on earth, with their wives next to them forcing an image of happiness.

Women, wake up. You only have one life and you must live it to the full, no matter what. Nothing is impossible, even if you have to start again from scratch, but never let your spirit be manipulated by any brute, in any form he chooses.

Women seek advice, be kind to yourselves; if anything, everyone is entitled to his/her own happiness and fulfillment.

One last note, Daphne, just a short thank you for your outspoken articles and for being yourself always. We need more Maltese women, and for sure men, with the stuff you are made of and not made up of twisted social conformities.

Martin Frendo

Hamrun