In India, more than 30% of women have been subjected to domestic violence at some point in their lives, per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data. Yet, nearly 75% of those who reported being subjected to domestic violence did not seek help from anyone.
 
Despite my academic achievements, I too have become just another case number. I am a survivor of domestic violence, and that has become the reality of my life.
 
Violence against women occurs throughout her life - from before she is born, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and till  adulthood. Most of the data are believed to be unreliable as many cases go unreported.
 
Legislative changes by itself would not suffice because violence against women is a deep rooted social problem. Lack of awareness, not knowing her rights, and the fear of getting hurt often prevent women from taking any action. There is a need for both men and women to understand this problem, and work together to eradicate it. Sign my petition.
 
Starting at the ground level, gender sensitisation by parents and teachers is needed to sensitise children. Building a strong foundation and learning about their rights early on in life will help recognise and avoid domestic violence from a very young age.
 
1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men experience domestic violence by the time they are adults. I want these statistics to be a thing of the past. By providing education in schools about topics related to domestic violence, schools can help prevent incidents and create a culture where domestic violence is no longer such common behaviour in our society.
 
That is why I am addressing this petition to the Ministry of Education and Women and Child Welfare, asking them to introduce women’s rights as a subject in schools, to help address concepts from an early age. It’s time we #EducateToErase.