Saudi Spousal Abuse

It ought to go without saying that spousal abuse is a horrible relic of an age when women were mistakenly subordinated to the absolute authority of their fathers and husbands. And at least in America, it is an issue that can now be publicly discussed, that generates political and social debate, with increased public and private efforts to end this abhorrent crime.

In Saudi Arabia, the issue is still kept behind closed curtains, and that makes this woman's courage all the more remarkable:

A popular Saudi television host publicly showed her bruised and bloodied face and has shocked her compatriots into openly talking about one of the kingdom's long-hidden problems: violence against women.

Rania al-Baz has been hailed as a hero for letting newspaper photographers snap pictures of her face and for frankly discussing her case after she said a beating by her husband earlier this month left her unconscious.

Al-Baz's television persona -- warm smile wrapped in a stylish headscarf -- made the photographs of her wrecked face after the April 10 beating all the more startling. Al-Baz suffered 13 facial fractures required 12 operations.

It may take this sort of blunt shock to the societal consciousness to get the issue out in the open. Let's hope her courage is not in vain and the issue gains traction.