"It's Not Just A Thappad" - Rennu's Story - Chai With Sahelis: A Desi Dost Project

Domestic Violence is not just about a slap, says Rennu Dillon.  She arrived as a new bride in the US almost 30 years ago to discover she had married a bigamist.  Her Bollywood vision of romance evaporated in a maelstrom of violence, infidelity, and abuse. Her US citizen husband threatened to take away their daughters and out her illegal status to the immigration authorities.

Rennu fought to survive and won. “It’s Not Just A Thappad” is her story.

Today Rennu is a successful entrepreneur and an outspoken advocate for women’s rights. Her resilience is an inspiration to other survivors still in the throes of their struggles.

This audio story is part of a unique storytelling project, “Chai with Sahelis,'' where survivors from the Indian American (desi) community share deeply personal stories about their experience living with and surviving  domestic violence.

This three-part series for October’s Domestic Violence month, is supported by the USC Center for Health Journalism in partnership with Desi Collective, Narika and India Currents

This content is intended only for mature audiences. Listener discretion advised.
CW/TW: domestic violence, language, mental health, mental illness, depression, su*c*de, violent imagery, body image, anger, anxiety, abandonment

This article was produced as a project for the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s 2021 Domestic Violence Impact Reporting Fund.

Artwork: Issues before birth by Tanya Momi
Music: Tumko dekha to by Himanshu Katara  on storyblocks.com

If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact:
Narika : 1-800-215-7308
Maitri : 1-888-8624874
Raksha : 1-866-56-ABUSE
Domestic Violence Hotline : 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

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