Chinmayi Sripada has carved a niche for herself in the Tamil film industry predominantly as a singer with several hit songs over the years.
She is also known to fans for contributing her voice as a dubbing artist to many lading heroines namely Trisha, Samantha Akkineni and Kajal Aggarwal on a frequent basis.
Apart from earning several accolades in both singing and as a dubbing artiste, Chinmayi has also been a vocal exponent of women’s rights and discusses various social issues and welfare causes on her social networking pages.
That said, Chinmayi took to her Twitter page to share with followers about a shocking incident which involved her being groped at an event yesterday once again after a long time.
Taking to the microblogging social network, the singer expressed her dismay at the state of affairs that women still have to face despite so much happening around them.
In a series of tweets, Chinmayi also added how children, who go through such horrible experiences hold themselves back from telling their parents out of fear.
After almost aeons I got groped at an event yesterday. I happened to share this story on Instagram and what shocked me is how many men and women have been molested as children (teachers, brothers, co passengers, uncles, grandparents and even women)
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 12, 2018
Most common places - Their own home, public transport, places of worship, educational institutions.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 12, 2018
Most girls and boys haven’t mustered the strength to share it with their family and friends coz no one would believe it.
Even if girls have a chance of being heard, men have NONE
Men are shamed if they share an account of sexual assault/molestation during childhood. Women who gathered the courage to share have been blamed “she enjoyed it”. Imagine grown adults accusing a child of enjoying sexual assault. And other seemingly sane adults believing it.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 12, 2018
Not to mention - women shaming other women who have been molested/harassed. And commenting on ‘you dress/look like that you are asking for it’
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 12, 2018
I think women need to be trained first on victim blaming and shaming.
Girls are afraid of telling their parents that they ll made to stay at home and would be stopped from going to work/study.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 12, 2018
I believed things changed based on my own circle of fantastic men and women.
Not so, clearly.
Please - stop shaming the victims, their lipstick, hair, skin colour, clothes, attitude, talent, intelligence, whatever.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 12, 2018
Boys are at an equal risk of sexual abuse. Many are traumatised for life.
Please understand they need the support as well.
Dont shame. Thank you.
As for victims - speak up, yell, slap those who touch you without your consent.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 12, 2018
When groped we are temporarily stunned into silence - including me. This is usually the window the assaulter uses to his advantage.
Finally, it is NOT your fault. Be kind on yourself. Love yourself.