Rosh Kumarasinghe, widely recognised as Beauty by Rosh, has never been ashamed of her past. Her experience in an abusive relationship did not break her—it shaped her purpose. Rather than dwell on the past, she chose to build a future where survivors of domestic violence feel seen, heard, and empowered. Today, she stands not just as a survivor but as an advocate, dedicating her life to ensuring that other women know that life after domestic violence is not only possible but full of hope.

That mission led her to create BARE, a non-profit initiative committed to raising awareness about domestic abuse, offering survivors a voice, and fostering a community where empowerment replaces fear.

"I think the biggest misconception, and this is the question I get asked the most, is 'Why didn't you leave?' I think that question is harmful. It’s not coming from a bad place, but it’s coming from a place of ignorance. Until you've been through it, until you are in those situations, it's really hard to judge someone."

The Birth of BARE

BARE was born out of necessity. For Rosh, survival was only the first step; the real challenge was reclaiming her sense of self and helping others do the same. The initiative is entirely self-funded, a labour of love sustained by her unwavering commitment to change.

At its core, BARE is about awareness and solidarity. It creates a space where survivors can share their experiences, where those still trapped in cycles of abuse can see a way out, and where the broader community can learn how to offer support.

Rosh has taken it upon herself to sustain BARE financially. "Since Beauty By Rosh is more well on its feet, I can fully fund it as a CSR project through Beauty By Rosh. So we will have a Beauty By Rosh pop-up counter at the event, and all profits from every product we sell that day will go towards funding this project."

While BARE currently focuses on advocacy and awareness, Rosh envisions expanding into direct assistance - helping women access shelters, legal aid, and financial resources.

Challenging Myths About Domestic Abuse

Misconceptions about domestic abuse are deeply ingrained in society. One of the most harmful myths, Rosh says, is the idea that leaving is easy.

"There is a lot of misunderstanding and a lot of uneducated comments that people make that are very harmful. Society views it as very taboo, and this is why some people don't leave or don't come out and tell their stories. I want to change that, and that should be my primary focus for the next five years or so."

Many women remain trapped due to economic dependence, fear of losing their children, or cultural stigma. "The reality is that abusers isolate their victims. By the time a woman realises she needs to leave, she often has nowhere to go and no one to turn to."

For women who have just left an abusive relationship and feel lost, Rosh’s message is simple: "You made the right decision. Do not look back. Do not doubt yourself. This decision was correct!!! There is no changing that man or your situation. You can only leave, and you've taken the first step of recovery for a beautiful future. So, you have made the right call."

Domestic abuse doesn’t always leave visible scars. Gaslighting, manipulation, and financial control are all tactics used to keep women trapped. Recognising these early warning signs can save lives.

In Sri Lanka, cultural and societal attitudes often reinforce cycles of abuse. "There’s this ingrained belief that marriage is sacred, that women must endure for the sake of family. Too many women are told to ‘adjust,’ to ‘keep the peace,’ instead of being encouraged to leave."

For change to happen, the conversation needs to shift.

Women’s Day Event: A Gathering of Strength

On March 2, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM, BARE will host a special Women’s Day event at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The event aims to bring together like-minded women to share their experiences, offer support, and most importantly, foster a sense of solidarity. 

Attendees will hear firsthand accounts from survivors, learn about resources available to those in need, and participate in open discussions about dismantling the societal structures that enable abuse. 

"We hope to make it a lovely evening for like-minded women to share their empowering stories," Rosh emphasises. 

Those interested in attending can register via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com.au

A Future Beyond Survival

Rosh’s own journey of healing has been long and, at times, painful. But sharing her story has not only helped others - it has also helped her. 

For women who have just left an abusive relationship and feel lost, her message is simple: "It gets better. It’s hard, but the freedom you find is worth every struggle. And you don’t have to do it alone." 

As for the future of BARE, Rosh hopes to expand its reach, bringing more survivors into the fold and ensuring that no woman feels she has to suffer in silence. 

"There’s so much more to do," she says. "But for now, we start here. One woman at a time."