SHELTER CARE FOR VIOLENCE VICTIMS

X is a resilient young woman from Nadia. She hails from a highly vulnerable background, where her mother and aunts are engaged in sex work. Nevertheless, she is determined not to return to that life and is making every effort to transform her circumstances. She continues her education and is currently residing in a hostel, away from the hostile environment of her home. With the support of Jabala and in collaboration with local stakeholders such as the Panchayat and police, measures have been taken to prevent her from being re-trafficked and to guide her towards reintegration. She has also confronted the stigma and shame associated with being a victim of gender-based violence (GBV) within her community, including at school. Additionally, she looks after her siblings, who face the same threats, by alerting Jabala and local stakeholders about their vulnerabilities. In recognition of her spirit and bravery, she was honored with the Birangana (Bravery) award by the West Bengal State Commission for Child Rights.

Jabala have engaged 9 survivors as Community volunteers who are  voicing concerns on issues similar to their own experiences. Additionally, learning from the survivors, we have found that community-based responses to violence are often more effective in certain contexts than police intervention. As a result, Jabala has started to network with grassroots stakeholders (for example, at local schools or health sub-centers) to create a support team for survivors and vulnerable children. Learned from the survivors about their future plans and have provided support towards achieving the best possible outcomes, such as through liaising with schools, arranging hostel accommodations, and offering vocational training support. It is also observed for many revealed health issues t act as barriers to their full participation and development, as well as cultural norms (within families and communities) that limit them. 

Still a long way to Go.. We need support to make the lives of the Survivors a Joyous one and full of promises of a bright future