Over 6000 dowry deaths were registered in India in 2023, but what the numbers do not reflect is the link between regressive beauty standards and suicides due to dowry abuse.
TNM’s Sukanya Shaji spoke to families of women who took their lives, triggered by spousal body shaming. The ground report is now out on our website. In this video, Sukanya sits down with Advocate Sandhya Raju, a senior lawyer who has worked extensively with victims of domestic violence and dowry harassment, and Aleena, a poet and anti-caste activist, to unpack the layers of the problem.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu:
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh:
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka:
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala:
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana:
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.