If you think that domestic violence is an act only against women, then you are wrong. Domestic violence against men is on the rise in the country. Raising his voice against this issue is 30-year-old Ameen Shareeff, a solo bike rider from visakhapatnam.
Ameen is all set to complete a 35,000 km bike ride journey, covering 29 states and five Union Territories, besides touching Nepal and Bhutan, to spread the message. Ameen says that he may complete his journey in about four months, and it would end in Hyderabad.
Having faced domestic violence himself, Ameen wants other men to know that it is okay to be emotionally weak at times. “We’re always told that men are supposed to be strong and stoic. However, men are as emotionally and mentally vulnerable as women. But when a man cries, he is made fun of,” he says, adding, “I’m a victim of domestic violence. After three months of marriage, my wife asked me to stop talking to my siblings. I had to also stop biking because of her. But, I have managed to come out of it.”
He started his ride on his Royal Enfield on January 24, and has completed nearly 19,000 km, and is currently in Gangtok. He has already covered half of India, Nepal and Bhutan. He stops over at different cities to raise awareness about the cause.
“I’m spreading the message through biking communities across India. I also visit famous spots in a city and reach out to people there. I try to talk to local groups that are working towards the same cause. This one person I met in Nepal, even invited me to a wedding at his place,” he says.
However, riding solo can also be dangerous. “Learning about your bike is important. One must ride and not race, because the latter is dangerous. Also, write an emergency contact number on your helmet and your bike, so in case you meet with an accident, someone will inform your family or friends,” says Ameen.
Talking about the cause, Ameen adds, “If I’m able to save even one life through my journey, I will feel satisfied.
There are many laws that protect women from domestic violence, but we need the same for men. Everyone should also know that when men cry, it doesn’t make them less of a man; it makes them more human.”
