400 domestic violence survivors in Theni form peer-led federation
In Theni district, Tamil Nadu, 400 women survivors of domestic violence have come together to establish a district-level peer support federation. The initiative, facilitated by the development organisation Arogya Agam, marks a shift from individual recovery to collective action, with survivors leveraging their experiences to assist other women facing similar challenges.
The federation operates on a peer-led model where one survivor helps another in combating violence, accessing legal services, securing immediate rehabilitation, and navigating government welfare schemes. Members, who have endured domestic abuse, are positioned as first-responders and change agents, using their lived experiences to guide and support others in distress. Such peer support approaches have been recognised by mental health and social work professionals for their effectiveness in reducing isolation and fostering empowerment.
At the inaugural meeting, R. Elamathi Arul, secretary of Arogya Agam, emphasised the importance of an institutionalised and autonomous structure for marginalised women. “Survivors must not be viewed merely as victims or passive beneficiaries; their experiences can be transformed into a potent force for social change,” she said. She added that a unified leadership and robust organisational framework are essential to counter systemic domestic violence and social neglect, enabling women to move from isolation to solidarity and from trauma to leadership.
Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), about 30% of women aged 18-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. Despite legal protections such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, many women face barriers in reporting abuse due to social stigma and limited access to resources. Grassroots initiatives like this federation are seen as crucial complements, providing immediate, confidential support and a pathway to justice and recovery.
The federation has outlined a rights-based action plan that includes establishing a self-managed, swift-response network to provide legal aid and socio-emotional support to women facing domestic abuse. It also aims to create institutionalised livelihood mechanisms to ensure financial independence for single and survivor women. Over 30 core women representatives from different blocks of the district participated in the meeting, sharing field insights and personal journeys. The district-level body will serve as an umbrella for local peer support groups, consolidating their efforts and amplifying their collective voice. Regular training sessions are planned to equip members with legal knowledge and counselling skills, strengthening the community response to domestic violence.
Other speakers included Assistant Director T.V. Murugesan and consultant S.M. Simon. Project Manager R. Tamilanban highlighted the strategic value of scaling up local peer support into a formidable district-level alliance. The members resolved to pursue their goals collectively, taking a pledge to transition from ignorance to clarity, isolation to solidarity, and suffering to leadership, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.
The formation of this federation represents a significant community-driven effort to address domestic violence, emphasising survivor-led solutions and the power of collective organisation. Arogya Agam, which works with marginalised communities in the Andipatti area of Theni, has supported the development of this initiative as part of its broader mission to empower vulnerable groups and promote gender equality.
