As the day of commemoration of violence against Women approaches, my heart swells with a mixture of sorrow and determination. Sorrow; questioning why this is still an occurrence in society. Determination; to use my voice and raise awareness whilst providing a safe space for women kind. Today is not just merely a day on the calendar but an opportunity to delve into the depths of this issue, an exploration of the impact against women; women who demand to be seen in our society, and women who seek recognition in this society.

The Silence surrounding the issue of violence against women in the shadows of our communities is deafening. This is a silence that many women bear as a heavy burden, hiding the untold stories of pain, suffering, and anger carved into their life story; a part of them that you cannot simply take away. A part of them that they do not want to carry. So here I am, breaking my own silence, recognizing the need of lending my voice to those whose stories have been stifled by fear, shame, and societal indifference.

It’s a common question I ask every day,

When does it stop, what does it give them,

Why do they think that I am their punching bag,

But if I were to tell you, I’d be unheard, unseen and disregarded.

I have no safety net to fall into outside,

So I sit here and ask myself how do I fight back,

The only option I see is to rebel against them,

You say it worsens the situation but what other option will you give me

So I cry and I scream and I fight back,

With scars that I’d hide from you and anyone alive

And all I know is it never seems to end

When does it stop, my voice continues to cry.

These words emerged from my heart a few days ago yearning for a world where violence against women is rendered irrelevant, unheard of, and non-existent. The desire to persist for a day when the pain behind these lines means nothing is but a distant memory.

I often receive inquiries about my demeanor, crafted with resilience and coldness which was created only because I have been burnt by the flames of the hardships. I navigate a world where trust has been fractured. I did not cultivate my spirit to be a victim, to endure disrespect or assault. This exterior, seemingly tough, is a shield made against a society that sometimes feels unsafe.

Unveiling stories of abuse and betrayal, I find myself asking the question of when this anguish will find its resolution. Silence is not my chosen language; I refuse to be silenced in front of the cruelty of others. In this society where women often feel unsafe, I raise my voice, demanding not to be broken or disregarded but to want to stand tall and resilient.

It is not always easy to ask for help; hence it becomes our duty to hear the unspoken, to make them feel safe and seen. Teach your partner to protect women, instruct your brother how to respect them, and instill in your children an adoration towards women kind.

Let your voice resonate as powerfully as possible, breaking chains, breaking cycles, dismantling the silence, and erasing the stains. Let it be the end of this chapter towards violence against women

If in need, please contact;

Ministry of Women and Child Affairs,

5th Floor, Sethsiripaya Stage II,

Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.

Tel: +94 11 2186055

Emergency Hotline: 1938

Penned By:

Rtr. Kavisha Yapa

Editorial Committee Member 23.24