Kashmir’s ‘Sakhi’ comes to the aid of violence-hit women
Sakhi has representatives from health, education, administration, and police besides other resourceful persons from various departments, who can assist aggrieved women
In terror-plagued Kashmir, where violence shadows people every day, a government initiative has come like a sliver of light. Women affected by violence can now seek assistance at a government-run centre. 'Sakhi', free of cost.
From rape victims to women hit by domestic violence to victims of terrorism, the initiative aims to help women in distress. Sakhi, a one-stop centre, by the women, of women, and for women, launched in the border district of Bandipora, provides succour and justice.
"Sakhi is a place managed by the women and for women, where they can walk in without any fear and discuss their problems freely. In most of cases of violence, women hesitate to file a complaint because of fear. Sakhi is designed to help victims in this regard in a favourable atmosphere," said Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, district development commissioner of Bandipora.
Sakhi has representatives from health, education, administration, and police besides other resourceful persons from various departments, who can assist aggrieved women. "The One-Stop Centre (OSC) will provide awareness about various women-specific schemes besides skill development initiatives and other activities," he said.
In addition, Sakhi will also shelter women in distress until their cases are resolved and they overcome the trauma.
"We have made arrangements for lodging 15 women within the OSC. Suppose a domestic violence survivor has been banished from her home and she comes to Sakhi to a lodge complaint, and at the same time, has no place to stay. Till the issue is resolved or there is no alternative available, they can stay here free of cost," said Dr Choudhary.
The OSC has also set up a toll free helpline where women in distress can make a call and request for immediate assistance. A team from Sakhi will be dispatched to help the woman.
"Suppose someone wants legal help, we have a legal officer. If a woman needs a health check up, our health workers can tend to her. God forbid, there is a rape case, the victim will be tended to at the centre itself," Dr Choudhary.
To top it all, Sakhi will also provide skill development and psychological assistance to such women under one roof. "The centre will also keep a vigil on issues such as drug abuse, rehabilitation, relief, and assistance," he said.