AARADHNA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EXPERIENCE

Words by Mounga Vivili (she/her)

CW: Domestic Violence 

In August of this year, Kiwi artist Aaradhna, who is of Samoan and Indian descent, opened up via Instagram about her experience as a victim of domestic violence. I must be living under a rock, because I only heard of this incident when asked to write this piece. People may wonder why victims don’t defend themselves. The fact is, it’s not that simple. An outsider cannot see the circumstances or understand the complex emotions victims have to weave through within these situations. Speaking up can be dangerous for victims, especially if they’re still in contact with their abuser. Aaradhna may have stayed silent because she wanted to protect her privacy and vulnerability, maybe she wanted to maintain a certain image for her fans, or maybe she didn't want to hurt the perpetrator’s family. Who knows? 

My heart broke hearing about Aaradhna having to mourn the loss of her mother while going through all this. But what matters most is the courage our girl had to speak up, as this encourages other victims to also speak up. Speaking up, when you can do it safely, re-enforces for victims that this type of behavior is not their fault and also puts a message out to the public that this behavior is not to be tolerated. 

To all the victims of domestic violence, you are warriors in my eyes. I SEE YOU! To all victims who have the courage to keep going despite your painful experience, you are an inspiration to everyone. Please continue to speak up, and as my sister Riri says, “Shine bright like a diamond.” Ofa Lahi Atu. 

PS

As for the perpetrators of domestic violence, I hope they step on LEGO. But on a serious note, not everyone is a finished product, God may still be working on someone. Even if they are a perpetrator of domestic violence, people are allowed to change for the better, take Apostle Paul in the Bible for example. I hope that we can all facilitate healing by spreading love to everyone.