In one well-known case, a woman named Martha Robinson was for years beaten and physically misused by a cruel and unstable husband. Eventually, he infected her with gonorrhea and then poisoned her almost to the point of death by slipping antivenereal powders into her food without her knowledge. Her health and spirit broken, she sued for divorce. The judge listened carefully to the arguments, then dismissed the case and sent Mrs. Robinson home with instructions to try to be more patient.
Martha Robinson endured years of severe abuse at the hands of her husband, who not only beat her but also inflicted irreparable harm by giving her gonorrhea and poisoning her. Despite her suffering, when she sought a divorce, the judge dismissed her case after hearing the arguments, advising her to practice more patience instead of acknowledging the violence and neglect she suffered. This response highlights the historical inadequacies of the legal system in addressing domestic abuse.
This troubling situation underscores the lack of protective measures for victims of domestic violence in that era. Rather than receiving justice or support, Mrs. Robinson was sent back to potentially face further abuse, illustrating a systemic failure that left many women vulnerable and without recourse. Bill Bryson's account sheds light on these historical injustices, encouraging reflection on how far we have come and the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence today.
