Prevent domestic violence Pakistan during COVID-19

COVID-19 and lockdowns have now cooled, but sadly, domestic violence is not disappearing. Tensions between partners is a very real, and very unspoken about reality for far too many couples. 

According to recent published newspaper date, an estimated 5000 women are killed per year from domestic violence, with thousands of others maimed or disabled. Lisa Hajjar, an associate professor at the University of California, describes abuse against women in Pakistan as "endemic in all social spheres".

According to AKU, some of the main reasons for domestic violence reported included financial constraints (60%) and in-laws (15.3%). Violence was significantly associated with low socio- economic status and low income and educational attainment. Common reported injuries were sore muscles, sprains and head injuries.

Domestic violence is still mostly under the radar in Pakistan and probably most parts of the world.  What is of course most famous is the acid survivors, women who are victims of their husbands throwing acid in their faces. This is well known and more wide spread than most realize.  It is the more traditional, quieter, less visible emotional, psychological and physical abuses that we are focused on with these funds. There is currently one humble shelter in Karachi which we contribute to. And we are also looking for avenues to help more women, especially those who need more discreet help for their safety and those of their children.

Your generosity here is truly impactful, not only helping women find safe spaces but also in building resources in Pakistan for such women.  Their is safety, housing and of course helping women get on their feet and be able to have a livelihood. That's key for their survival independently.

Women need also role models in this as this topic is so hushed up and women are culturally encouraged to keep families together "no matter what."

It's Christmas time when most people around the world reach out to, visit and connect to their families. But for some, it is still a time of fear and wish for escape from one's families, or more specifically spouse and a toxic situation of domestic abuse. 

It's so hard to know what really goes on, behind closed doors.  When things get really bad, though, Sometimes the victim tries to find a safe place to to take refuge and that is what your funds are used for: shelter. We are trying to find ways to help these women have the courage to seek refuge and be able to find safety when needed. Whenever needed.

Ashanti, 32, was a child bride married off at 16 to a man triple her age. She got almost immediately pregnant and now has 6 children. Despite the need to find a place to escape the violence and base, she has been unable to leave because she's scared of leaving the children. Your funds contribute to safe escape for women like Ashanti.

Please continue to give as the need grows, especially more so during holiday time.

"As many as 500 divorce lawsuits were filed in Lahore’s civil family courts by women over the last 10 days, reports have revealed," according to Social Diary Magazine Pakistan.

"It was learned that many of the petitioners had chosen to marry men of their choice, whom they now want to divorce because of domestic conflicts rising from unemployment issues."

It's hard to know what happens behind closed doors, but with these piling divorce lawsuits, it's clear domestic violence is increasingly leading to divorce and in all likelihood, simply increasing.  

As the economy plummets and Covid-19 numbers continue to be frightening, more people are being laid off and domestic violence increases. The need is greater than ever to combat this and your funds are playing a critical role in this. Thank you!

It's Ramadan - the Holy Month of fasting - and most people are praying and spending quality time with their families.

But home is not safe for everyone.

Some people are wishing they could escape their toxic home situation.  We're referring those households which are ones of domestic violence.

No one ever can know what really goes on in other people's homes, behind closed doors.  This project are for some of the worse situations, with the intent to help the abused Partner find a safe place to to take refuge. We are trying to find ways to help these women have the courage to seek refuge and be able to find safety when needed. Whenever needed. Your funds have been used to build anc strengthen shelter.

Maya (name changed) is just 14 but has been married to 42 year old Iqbal (name changed). Pregnant and trying to escape his constant physical and emotional abuse, she sought shelter in a local church. Your funds helped her find a safe house to live until she can learn a skill and earn a living, 

Please continue to give as the need grows, especially more so during holiday time.