domestic violence (DV)  is a burgeoning social, human rights and public health problem in India, where an estimated 41% of women report experiencing DV in their lifetime and approximately 30% report recent violence.

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sumunum has partnered with Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, ‘CMHLP’, to develop a community-based arts module to prevent and reduce the impact of domestic violence in Gujarat, India. This will be embedded within 'Atmiyata', their existing evidence-based mental health and social care intervention focused on promoting wellness and reducing distress through community volunteers in the rural communities of Mehsana, Gujarat. 

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 our programme is designed to

 

 1. strengthen the existing Atmiyata  intervention to better respond to and prevent DV, which has emerged as a concern in the community since the initiation of Atmiyata in 2016 and was particularly exacerbated during the pandemic.  

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2. facilitate the reimagining of existing power structures among participants (“conscientization”), increase bystander responsibility and reducing victim blaming, by implementing an arts-based support group network in the community. 

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3. training local volunteers to deliver care and run prevention and response programs to develop readiness, awareness & help seeking behaviour within the community — using drama, customized participatory multi-arts programmes, experiential activities & more.