Domestic violence is a major issue across geographis despite class, caste, religion and educational parameters. Women often don’t speak out about their experiences due to social stigma or fear of retribution, leaving countless women to suffer in silence. As Gender Transformative Model (GTM) program endeavors to bring attention to such cases, it has encountered the plight of Ragini Pradhan from Deogarh. Despite enduring a decade of physical abuse at the hands of her husband, who continually extorted money from her to fuel his addiction to liquor, the 40-year-old remains a survivor.
Ragini endured physical, emotional, and financial abuse, and her son also suffered from his father’s violent behavior. He experienced deprivation of necessities like food and his education was hindered by the emotional trauma.
The Deogarh resident opened up about the financial extortion and physical abuse she undergone at the hands of her husband, recounting,
It was an uphill battle to make ends meet, especially with my husband being unemployed. Our sole source of income was derived from my in-laws’ farm, which barely provided enough to survive. I used to approach my father for monetary assistance, but my husband forbade me from doing so and resented my visits to my parents’ home. Every time he returned home inebriated, I suffered relentless physical abuse.
Thanks to the GPP (Gender Point Person) in CLF (Cluster Level Forum), Ragini found a way out of her silent suffering from domestic violence. The GPP connected her with Gender Facilitation Center (GFC), where she bravely shared her traumatic experiences with the Gender Forum members and Gender CRP (GCRP) in April 2022. Through extensive counseling, Ragini gained the strength to open up about her pain and follow the recommended protocol to overcome her challenges.
Furthermore, Ragini’s husband and son received regular counseling to ensure that such incidents do not resurface. Previous police complaints against her husband received insufficient attention until the GCRP, Social Action Committees (SAC) and Gram Panchayat Level Federation (GPLF) intervened. Eventually, an FIR (First Information Report) was registered, and her husband was summoned for negotiation. Despite initial resistance, he admitted his wrongdoing after a thorough discourse and pledged to avoid further transgressions.
To empower Ragini and promote self-sufficiency, the GCRP facilitated her linkage with CLF’s financial support. The CLF members also encouraged her to pursue her passion for stitching as a profession. With a grant of Rs.10,000/- from Vulnerable Reduction Fund (VRF), Ragini obtained a sewing machine and embarked on her journey towards economic independence in March 2023. She now earns a monthly income of Rs.2,000, which continues to grow steadily.
While the Gender Self-Learning Program (GSLP) educates on domestic violence, SHG (Self Help Group) acknowledges the importance of financial autonomy for survivors. Financial dependence and alcoholism are key factors contributing to domestic violence. To address these issues, engagement with district based de-addiction centers with the GPLF is crucial to tackle the root cause of domestic violence and the program intents to drive in that direction in future course.
Today, Ragini is deeply grateful to the GCRP, CRP, and CLF members for their unwavering support in her journey to escape abuse. Their intervention has been transformative, bringing positive changes to her life.
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