In the midst of lockdown, there has been a rapid increase in the number of domestic violence cases in the country. As per India Today, the cases of domestic violence have almost doubled during the lockdown as compared to pre-lockdown days.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has also confirmed the increased risk of intimate partner violence as social distancing measures are put in place and people are encouraged to stay at home.
While a few domestic violence survivors are raising their voices, a lot of them are still struggling in silence. In order to urge the victims to report, Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has taken to her social media account to share a heart-touching poem on domestic violence.
According to Hindustan Times, Kriti recited the poem that she had written in class 11 after listening to her house help who was subjected to domestic violence by her husband.
The poem, titled ‘Abused’ describes the plight of a victim. She goes on to recite:
Sharing the reason why she was reciting the poem now, Kriti mentioned:
“I am reading this poem now because there has been an alarming increase in the domestic violence cases in this lockdown period. And it’s terrible to even read, imagine someone going through it every single day.”
She shares how she wishes to go back and change the ending of the original poem that says,
“But, I cannot control my life. So again the sun sets, I die again but manage to survive.
Why do you have to survive, it’s your life and you can control your life. only you can control your life.”
Focusing on how it’s not okay for anybody to physically hurt somebody, she urges people to report to the authorities if they are victims or happen to know someone going through this.
Also Read: He Hit Me Today, But That’s Ok: A Heart-Touching Poem On Abusive Marriage
As staying silent is not the answer, we urge every person struggling with domestic abuse to speak up. If you know of someone suffering from domestic abuse, please support that person to move out of the abusive relationship. Because domestic abuse is not normal. It’s not ok.