I can’t fathom the pain and fear: Sandhya on domestic abuse
Recently, actor Sandhya Mridul launched a video campaign against domestic violence, urging survivors and witnesses to speak up. With a spike in such cases during the lockdown, Mridul, 45, feels we all need to help. “I read some scary statistics of violence against women and children, and of rape. Violence can be sexual, mental, physical... I can’t fathom the pain and fear [of people in such situations],” she says, adding, “There are days when I feel claustrophobic, alone in my house. Imagine the emotional claustrophobia one would feel if they’re stuck with someone who is hurting them. So, when I was approached for the campaign, I jumped at it.”
Her peers, friends and seniors from the industry, “who are compassionate”, shared the campaign, giving it more traction. “It’s about putting information out there, telling people that we are listening and giving them a little strength to speak up. I know you can’t save everyone but you can try to save some... We all have financial stress and commitments, but I want to be a part of something that makes a difference,” shares Mridul.
Personally, being creative has helped her during the lockdown. She even spoke at a platform about dealing with anxiety and depression as she is “prone to it”. “Some days are great, others are tough. This is an extreme situation. I’m away from family, but I am focused on self-care,” she says.