Anoushka Shankar says ‘enough is enough’, calls for action against sexual abuse

In an emotional and poignant video recorded in her London home, the sitar-player said that she too has been a victim of sexual abuse in her childhood.

“I am from India now living in London and as a child I suffered sexual and emotional abuse for several years at the hands of a man my parents trusted.”

“Growing up, I suffered various forms of abuses such as groping, touching, and verbal abuse… I did not know how to change,” Anoushka Shankar added.

“As a woman I find I am living constantly in fear, afraid to walk alone at night.” She also said how as a woman, she fears being judged for the way she dresses or the way she wears makeup.

The music composer is launching a campaign “I am Rising” in support of all those who want to bring an end to physical and sexual abuse against women.

“Enough is enough. I am rising. I am rising for Jyoti and women like her,” she said referring to the 23-year-old Delhi student who has been named Nirbhaya, Jyoti, Damini and Amanat by various media organisations and anti-abuse campaigners.

She urges everyone to join her in the fight to end sexual violence against women.

“Join me. Let’s rise… let’s dance… dance is the power to heal and to transform, so let’s transform this world,” Shankar said.

Watch Anoushka’s video message from London seeking an end to sexual violence against women:

Anoushka’s campaign is in support of the “One Billion Rising” movement – a global campaign to end violence against women.

According to a petition by One Billion Rising organisation, a billion women or one in three women are raped or beaten in her lifetime.

On Thursday, February 14th, 2013, the organisation is inviting one billion women globally to rise and demand an end to this violence.

“One Billion Rising is a promise that we will rise up with women and men worldwide to say, ‘Enough! The violence ends now’,” the petition on Change.org website read.

Anoushka Shankar has been actively supporting the One Billion Rising campaign by participating in its campaigns in London and Paris.

On February 4, the group held London Rising, a one night, charity fundraising event. “I am very excited and honoured to be playing at Café de Paris tonight as part of this One Billion Rising event,” Anoushka Shankar said on Twitter on the day.

Anoushka Shankar has become the latest influential and youth icon figure to participate in the campaign to stop violence against women.