A 27-year-old man named Suthirtha recently shared a harrowing experience of using pepper spray against his own father during a violent confrontation at home. In a video posted online, he revealed the disturbing incident that took place the previous night, showing his visibly injured and swollen eye after his father hit him. 'I had to use my pepper spray for the first time in my life in my own home against my own dad,' he said. He added that this was not the first time such violence had occurred, stating, 'Nobody cares. I have been through this before.'
A History of Abuse
Speaking to Official Humans of Bombay, Suthirtha disclosed that violence had been a part of his life for as long as he could remember. His father would often become aggressive and physically abusive toward him, his mother, and his younger brother. One of the earliest incidents he recalled happened when he was just eight years old. 'When I was 8, the violence became so extreme that Maa ran to the police station,' he said. Although his father was arrested at the time, the situation only worsened after he returned home. 'Since then the abuse never stopped,' Suthirtha claimed.
The Breaking Point
Over the years, the constant violence and instability destroyed whatever sense of safety the family once had. By 2021, his mother could no longer endure the situation and left home, leaving Suthirtha and his brother behind to survive in what he described as a 'war zone.' Despite the pain, Suthirtha found determination in looking at his younger brother. He felt a strong resolve to stop the cycle of fear and survival that had consumed their lives for years. 'We are still under this roof, but we are done surviving,' he said. Today, he is saving every rupee he earns through his art commissions, hoping to rent a small apartment where he and his brother can finally live peacefully.
The Impact of Growing Up in an Abusive Household
Suthirtha's story reflects a reality many people silently endure. Research has consistently shown that children who are regularly exposed to violence, aggression, or emotional instability at home are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, chronic stress, low self-esteem, and difficulties forming healthy relationships later in life. Prolonged stress from living in hostile home environments can affect a child's overall sense of safety. While Suthirtha's story has resonated with thousands online, it serves as a reminder that abuse within families often remains hidden behind closed doors for years. For many victims, the biggest dream is not luxury or success, but simply a safe home where fear no longer exists.
