Recognise domestic abuse as the menace it is

Representation pic

A short film called Riha had a Mumbai premiere at an Andheri studio recently. Riha means unlocked, and the 30-minute movie should have succeeded in unlocking the minds of the audience that packed the studio and overflowed into the aisles and studio floor.

This movie, we said in our report on the première, has been inspired by a Muslim woman activist, who was at the forefront of the instant triple talaq movement, which was criminalised some years ago, in a huge success for many like this who lent their voice to that movement. She is also a co-founder of the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Sangh.

Riha follows the emotional journey of a woman trapped in an abusive marriage who encounters a triple talaq survivor. Though divided by class, the two women find themselves united in their search for freedom.

One of the strongest takeaways from this film, as our report stated, is being aware of the forms of abuse.

Domestic abuse is violence; let us recognise that. Abuse and violence are used interchangeably in this edit. Violence/abuse can be mental. Inequality in a relationship is also abuse. Mental abuse can often be dismissed by people or even the victim herself as an overreaction or being too sensitive. The abuser and, at times, the abused justify that violence, believing that the target somehow deserves it, or has done something to trigger or bait the abuser. The victim/target experiences a huge dip in self-esteem and self-belief.

Mental violence is insidious and omnipresent. It cannot be obviously seen, or does not leave physical scars but is as debilitating.