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Art Unmasks Hidden Violence in Natal Homes
6 Dec
Summary
- Natal family violence includes emotional, financial, and physical abuse.
- The event marked 20 years of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
- Street theatre and art installations highlighted overlooked family abuse.
An awareness program titled "Resistance Through Art" was organized in Kolkata, focusing on Natal Family Violence (NFV) and the 20th anniversary of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) 2005. Natal Family Violence encompasses various forms of abuse within parental homes, often remaining hidden. Speakers emphasized that abuse can begin early and inflict deep emotional wounds, with women sometimes abandoned by their families when seeking refuge.
The event, held on Saturday, aimed to bring NFV to the forefront of public awareness, advocating for its recognition as a critical form of domestic violence. AMAN Global Voices for Peace in the Home, a network of 159 organizations, organized the program, which featured street theatre, music, poetry, and dance performances. An interactive art installation and a signature drive urged state authorities to include NFV in domestic violence definitions and enhance PWDVA enforcement.
Scheduled during the International Fortnight for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the initiative directly challenges the myth that natal homes are inherently safe spaces. It calls for greater accountability and protection for women experiencing violence within their maternal homes, advocating for a safer and more equitable future.
