With domestic violence on the rise in Punjab, a program was initiated by Médecins du Monde French NGO to protect, care and empower women victims of violence.

Though the actual extent of domestic violence remains unknown due to under-registration of cases, it is estimated that 70% to 90% of women in Pakistan have been facing at least once in their lives physical, psychological or sexual abuse*.According to Aurat Foundation’s Annual Report 2008, a total of 7,571 cases of violence against women were recorded al l over Pakistan that year, one fourth of which were murders and “honour” killings.

Thanks to PPR Corporate Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights, along with other partners such as the Delegation of the European Union’s support over 3 years (December 2007-November 2010), French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Felissimo, Médecins du Monde is establishing a comprehensive care for women victims of violence and their children within 34 public shelter homes of Punjab. This comprehensive support includes medical, legal and psychological aid as well as educational and social services. The program aims at raising awareness of the general population towards shelter homes and to decrease the stigmatization towards their residents.

“I was beaten up by my husband for more than a year. I left my house to my father’s. Instead of helping me, he told me to go back. I didn’t want to go home and spend my whole life in that hell. A neighbour told me about Dar-Ul-Aman and guided me how to go there and seek help. This filled me hope so I left my father’s house and went to Jhang Dar-Ul-Aman” (Atiya**, 22 years old)

Due to women’s economic dependence, restricted mobility and high family or community pressure, the very decision to leave the household and look for protection is a difficult, sometimes dangerous, step. What‘s more, the lack of information on rights and available facilities hinder access to proper care. For this reason, with European Union Delegation’s support, Médecins du Monde printed 34,000 leaflets on Dar-Ul-Aman that have been distributed in prominent locations for women in distress. A total of 175 boards to inform women who potentially suffer from violence in the domestic sphere have been delivered for the whole Punjab region, i.e. 5 per district. Such awareness boards are displayed in visible and accurate settings so that women and relatives get knowledge on how they can have access to the nearest Dar-Ul-Aman and which kinds of services they provide.

These campaigns resulted in a very-significant increase of women seeking refuge and support in the Dar-Ul-Amans. In Dar-Ul-Amans, women can now benefit from medical care, psychological counselling and legal help and a secure place to make their own decisions.

* Ministry of Women’s Development 1987 ‘Battered Wives in Pakistan’, NPA/CEDAW progress report, ADB July 2000 ‘Women in Pakistan - Country Briefing Paper’

** The names of the mentioned persons have been modified.

Source: Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan