Typically, once a woman is married, she belongs to the husband’s household, and cannot return to her parents’ house. Some seek refuge here, at Shakti Dhama, a place created solely for their safety. Shakti Dhama, which means “Power House” in Kannada, is a nationally renowned women’s shelter located in Mysore. Founded by the former Chief of Police, the shelter is always open to women (and their children) who seek shelter from their husbands or his family for a few hours, days or months.
The
women at Shakti Dhama had the courage
to escape their abusers and neglectors.
To say enough is enough. To seek safety for themselves and their
children. To break cultural norms and risk stigmatization. To try to rectify
their household situation by seeking professional counseling. To learn a new skill
to provide for themselves and their children. These women awe me with their
resilience and courage.
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