Combating Violence Against Women And Children

This intervention aims to reduce the prevalence of violence against women and children in the communities we work with. We believe a sustainable difference can be made only if prevention, response, and rehabilitation are tackled simultaneously through a holistic approach. It’s crucial to engage with men and boys to bring about behavioural change and act together as a structural driver for the prevention of violence against women and girls.For the last two decades, Jan Sahas has been working on preventing multiple forms of violence against women and girls across 4 states (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh) of India. Jan Sahas believes that a fundamental change can occur only if prevention, response rehabilitation, and reform in the system are tackled simultaneously through a holistic approach. It’s crucial to engage with men and boys to bring about behavioral change and act together as a structural driver for the prevention of violence against women and girls

23,124 survivors of sexual violence (children and women) through legal recourse, psycho-social therapy, education, and livelihood opportunities Jan Sahas believes a fundamental change can occur only if prevention, response and rehabilitation are tackled simultaneously through a holistic approach. Engaging with men and boys is crucial to bring about behavioural change and to act together as a structural driver for preventing violence against women and girls.

Till date, Jan Sahas has worked with around 23,124 survivors of sexual violence (children and women) through legal recourse, psycho-social therapy, education and livelihood opportunities, have prevented 7,276 women from trafficking and 6,640 young girls from the caste-based commercial sexual exploitation of children. Initiatives to prevent and respond to violence against women and children are as follows.

The Balika Panchayat program engages adolescent girls from communities through village level educational centers (Garima Kendra). Girls visit the Centre six days a week after school and are educated on issues of sexual violence and forms of exploitation, child labor, sexual abuse, conversations with parents on these issues, using the helpline numbers (Child Line) and the process of legal recourse, starting with how to file an FIR. The teachers at the Garima Kendras (dignity centre) are young women from local communities who are trained and employed by Jan Sahas. Books and other resources on the issues of sexual violence and exploitation along with a wide range of topics are provided at these centers.

The Balika Panchayat enables girls to respond to incidents like eve-teasing and acts as a platform for girls to express basic needs of the community like construction of roads, water supply and drainage. The local ASHA also visits the center to provide necessary information on menstrual health and hygiene. Sensitization sessions are held in schools in the villages for equal treatment of students irrespective of gender and caste.

School is a second home for children where they learn everything from teachers for their development. Undoubtedly it is important to train Children on issues like personal safety, laws related to children and women, rights of children and educating them about violence and its prevention. We are proposing to conduct sessions with teachers and train them on basic counseling, laws, constitution, child rights, etc. along with this we would also participate in the parent’s teachers meeting so that we can also connect with the parents and train teachers and parents at the same time on such issues and laws.

The youth and men of the community have a prime role in preventing sexual violence on children and women. The program team holds a meeting with the men and youths and discusses the community-based problems with them and informs them about government schemes, helplines, and various laws. Youth from the community talk about women violence-related issues in the community. They have crucial role in preventing caste-based prostitution in their communities.

Capacity Building

Jan Sahas enables the survivors to file proper FIR complaints and submit applications to higher police officials at the district level. Furthermore, they also facilitate recording statements under CrPc section 164 before a judicial magistrate. Lawyers of Jan Sahas provide legal assistance, which enables them in trials. Jan Sahas also assists in scaling up the case to higher levels of the judiciary if justice is not granted at the initial level. Jan Sahas also closely works with the prosecution department and law enforcement agencies like the police.

Jan Sahas provides social support and safety in such cases where the survivors, especially children, need it the most. When the perpetrators belong to the family, Jan Sahas aids in providing a safe place to the survivors by approaching CWC, shelter homes etc. The barefoot counselors of Jan Sahas play a crucial role in building the agency of survivors so that they can feel accepted through social support. Long Term therapeutic support plays an important role in the rehabilitation of survivors and their families.

Education support to survivors helps them achieve academic opportunities and dignified life, as well as gives them a sense of safety and a non-judgmental environment when girls move to hostels in urban areas to pursue higher education. Jan Sahas support, including stationeries, tuition fees, hostel admission, etc. Apart from this, counseling survivors and family members to pursue higher education.

Victims’ compensation schemes play a significant role in the rehabilitation of the survivors. Child and woman survivors of rape and sexual assault, acid attack survivors, and survivors of caste-based atrocities are entitled to get monetary support under various compensation schemes by state and central government. Jan Sahas assists survivors in accessing compensation schemes and helps survivors with documentation. Jan Sahas also engages with District and state legal aid authorities to avail compensation to survivors on time.