An Indian State Minister has gifted hundreds of nearly foot-long wooden paddles to brides on their wedding day. The present is to be used if their husbands turn alcoholic and/or abusive. The paddles read: “For beating drunkards” and “Police won’t intervene.”

The Minister insists that the woman should obviously try and communicate with their partners first, but if they do not comply, they may restore to the paddle as an alternative method.

Last year, the government of Tamil Nadu introduced prohibition laws, which were very popular with women voters who said that alcohol was often the root cause behind domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and poverty issues.

Hopefully, this new tool will give woman the confidence to stand up for themselves and feel safer.

By Rhea Braganza