A Note From Aparna Ramakrishnan, Social Impact Producer

 

Designed by Preeti is more than just a film – it’s a catalyst for change, shedding light on critical social issues and inspiring action.

Increasing Awareness, Understanding, and Action 

Designed by Preeti is a film about a woman’s courageous journey from an abusive marriage to self-reliance despite social pressure, stigma, and financial challenges. While the story unfolds through a South Asian immigrant lens, it is universal to any woman who has struggled to leave a toxic relationship and reclaim her power and happiness.

The film’s heroine, Preeti, is a South Asian immigrant woman living an affluent and seemingly perfect life in the United States while, in reality, suffering in an abusive marriage. This serves as an essential reminder that domestic violence can occur in any relationship, no matter the culture, background, education, or socio-economic status. 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “In the United States, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually. If each of these adults experienced only one incidence of violence, an adult in the US would experience violence every three seconds. However, because domestic violence is a pattern, many experience repeated acts of abuse annually, so an incident of abuse happens far more frequently than every three seconds.”

When Preeti takes the bold step to leave her husband, she faces challenges from every direction and risks losing her relationship with her beloved daughter. Her experiences help viewers understand how complicated it is for women to leave a marriage and underscore the need to prevent domestic violence by changing social norms, reducing stigma, building skills for healthy relationships, and strengthening support for survivors.

Collaborating with Advocacy Groups

To amplify its impact, Designed by Preeti has partnered with organizations like Narika and Maitri, which are dedicated to supporting South Asian domestic violence survivors. These collaborations focus on raising awareness, providing resources, and supporting action. We welcome opportunities to partner with organizations that share our goal of preventing domestic violence.

Fostering Community Conversations

The film serves as a platform to initiate dialogue about cultural norms, gender roles, social stigma, and other factors that contribute to domestic violence in any community. Through screenings, panel discussions, and conversation guides, Designed by Preeti encourages communities to reflect, discuss, and take collective action to cultivate healthy relationships and support survivors. 

If you are interested in hosting a private screening to encourage conversation in your community, please get in touch with Rashmi Rustagi at 310-498-8194

Your Role in the Movement

Every one of us plays a role in preventing domestic violence. Here are some ideas on how to be a part of this critical movement:

• • • Educate yourself and others about what a healthy relationship looks like and how to spot signs of abuse. 
    • Encourage conversations about gender equality and respect.
    • Show kindness, respect, and open communication in your relationships.
    • Teach children and young people about consent, boundaries, and conflict resolution.
    • Challenge harmful cultural norms that condone, excuse, or normalize domestic violence.
    • Speak up against harmful attitudes like victim-blaming comments and domestic violence jokes.
    • If you see a friend showing signs of being abusive, speak with them about getting help.  
    • If you know a friend who may be experiencing abuse, be a trusted ally and offer resources and support.

 

Designed by Preeti is a self-financed labor of love. We welcome contributions to ensure its message reaches diverse audiences and inspires meaningful change. Please go to the ‘Contact/Donate’ tab.

Together, we can transform narratives, create positive social norms, and build a future where everyone lives free from violence and fear.

Statistics:

https://www.socialsolutions.com/blog/domestic-violence-statistics
https://ncadv.org
https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS