In France a new bill has been introduced that would ban "psychological violence" between married couples or co-habitating couples. "The government says it would allow the authorities to deal with mental and verbal abuse in couples which leaves no visible scars, but where the victims are often badly damaged psychologically." A psychiatrist, who is an authority on psychological violence, explained that psychological violence is "a relationship which is based on control and domination -- and if you want to prevent physical violence, you have to take action early on." She said that psychological violence is often the first step towards physical violence. And even if it doesn't come to physical violence, the effects of psychological violence can still be damaging.
However, there are concerns about how courts could prosecute a crime like this -- there is unlikely to be physical evidence, and it will be one person's word against the other. A lawyer interviewed in the article said that there are already crimes on the books that people had said would be too difficult to prove -- like bullying or harassment in the workplace -- but people are being convicted for those crimes. Furthermore, the psychiatrist suggested that recording of phone calls could be used as evidence, as well as medical and psychiatric treatments. Parliament is expected to pass this bill. (Full Story)
Hopefully it doesn't just apply to married or co-habitating couples -- psychological violence shouldn't be acceptable for any couple, regardless of their living arrangement.
China has reported that their exports rose 17.7% in December, suggesting that China has surpassed Germany as the world's largest exporter. Although this will not be confirmed until Germany's full-year data is released in February. However, China's trading competitors have complained that it's unfair that their currency is undervalued. China has had such an increase in exports because they've made their goods cheaper by keeping the yuan artificially undervalued. (Full Story)
Furthermore, pretty much non-existent labor laws and no qualms about polluting will also allow you to become the largest exporter.
The Pope actually spoke out against the poor treatment of migrant workers in Italy. His speech came after a wave of violence against African farm workers in southern Italy (Calabria), in which 70 people have been injured. Police have evacuated hundreds of Africans out of the area by bus.
Many of this migrant workers are from north and west Africa (many are not legal immigrants), and they're picking fruit and vegetables for starvation wages. They live in temporary camps that are filthy. The labor market in the area is controlled by the local mafia, and wages are handed out in cash and the workers have to pay kickbacks to their bosses. Labor laws, health regulations, and safety regulations are ignored. No taxes or welfare contributions are ever paid.
Pope Benedict XVI spoke in favor of the rights of these poor African farmers. "An immigrant is a human being, different only in where he comes from, his culture and tradition. He is a person to respect and with rights and responsibilities, and should be respected particularly in the working world where there is a temptation to exploit." (Full Story)
Wow, I'm impressed the Pope spoke out against the treatment of migrant workers. Though, speaking out against the mafia?! He better have a damn-good co-pilot on his side...Hopefully he has someone to carry him along the beach in these trying times, only leaving a single set of footprints...
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