Hushed whispers. Guilt. Shame. We, at Intesaab believe that there are wounds deeper and deadlier than the ones on flesh, the ones that are visible. Those are the ones whispered about, never openly talked about, always treated as a blight to society. And these wounds spring for a variety of causes, one of which is Domestic Violence. That the psychological impact of Domestic Violence is never talked about, despite it being a major issue in our country, makes it hard in today's mainstream world to understand its relevance and importance to well-being. It is not just about being away from the person, it is about recovering from their monstrosity. 

And this abuse does not discriminate. It takes place in every setting - slowly setting its roots so quietly that no one notices. It affects anyone under the sun - man or woman, old or young, black, brown or white, rich or poor, gay or straight.

While women are more often victimised men also experience abuse—especially verbal and emotional. Abusive behaviour is never acceptable, whether from a man, woman, teenager, or an older adult. One deserves to feel valued, loved, and safe.

For this reason, we need to understand that domestic violence of any sort is to be incriminated because no one deserves to live in fear, deprived of their integrity and respect, giving justifications for the people they love.

To help fight this evil, just like Faiz, we, Intesaab, believe that dialogue is necessary. We understand the gravity of the situation and need others to realise the psychological sufferings of individuals. We would greatly appreciate your support in helping us realise this dream of dialogue. We invite you to speak, raise your voice and help us create awareness about this misunderstood yet crucial topic.

Ankhee Gupta

Mrs.Ankhee Gupta is a psychological counsellor, stress management expert and a graphologist. She works as an expert therapist for 'all women's social networking platforms' like Momspresso and Sheroes where she deals with issues like domestic violence, women empowerment and women's mental health issues.

Barkha Bajaj, Director, Aks Foundation and Unalome Therapy, Pune

Barkha is a trauma informed therapist who works with children, couples and adults. In the US, she worked as a staff counselor with Denton County Friends of the Family working specifically with children and adult survivors of trauma, and also pioneered Project REV – Resources for Ending Violence, as a campus counselor. Barkha currently runs Aks foundation, an NGO trying to combat gender based violence and is the Director of Unalome therapy in Kalyani nagar.

Kavita Krishnan is a communist feminist activist, Politburo member of the CPIML and Secretary, All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA)

Priyanka Singh, Breakthrough

She has more than 14 year experience of working in the development sector especially working with domestic violence survivors... Providing them legal support, counselling and done various training with police, community women, college and school students and teachers on domestic violence and law

Jyoti, co-founding member Stree Mukti Sanghatana

A renowned playwright and has written numerous plays on women’s issues, children’s education, child labour, waste management and the environment.As an activist, has participated in many awareness campaigns for women’s issues going back to 1975. Also participated in several national and International conferences on Women's’ Rights, Environment and Solid Waste Management.

About Intesaab 2020

Intesaab 2020, organised by the Ishan Foundation Trust, Jaipur x Mumbai, marks a new beginning where art and artists find their way to express their inhibitions. Scheduled on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of June 2020, it is India’s first virtual festival, where these three days are an amalgamation of panel discussions, talks, events, and workshops, where Intesaab shall diverge into an iconic platform for art across the nation to be rediscovered and cherished.

With the grasping clutches of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also believe in making a change in society that sustains us. Hence all proceeds from the festival shall be donated to NGOS which provide relief to the victims of the COVID-19 crisis. Thus, Intesaab 2020 is a cradle for new avenues to emanate, reorient, and unravel incredible directions that will divulge our past, mold our present, and inspire our future.

Find more about Intesaab on www.ishantrust.org

Follow us on instagram: @intesaabfest

For queries: intesaab@ishantrust.org