By Usha Kiran T | Communication Manager & Program Officer
My Choices Foundation thanks you for your generous donations towards our Lotus Safe Home. Through the Lotus Safe Home this quarter, we were able to provide counselling, medical help and security to women who were once victims of severe domestic abuse and in distress.
Sarika*, who was abused and abandoned by her husband was left on the street with her one-year-old daughter. Even though her father and stepmother took her daughter in, they were not keen on having Sarika live with them. She was on the streets and travelled aimlessly in trains when the police handed her over to the Lotus Safe Home. When she arrived at the home, she was malnourished and extremely dehydrated. Her recovery focused on both the physical and emotional aspects and she was given medical attention, therapy, counselling and legal aid.
Sarika was educated, talented and capable of sustaining a job. We helped her get a job she would do well in and enjoy; she stayed at the Lotus Safe Home for 41 days and moved to a hostel after she received her first paycheck. There was a marked difference in her confidence levels and her personality in the 41 days - stories like this help us keep going!
While Sarika’s recovery took 41 days, there was Pravallika* who just took 3 days to get back on her feet. After her husband attempted to kill her with a pipe, she left home with her son and stayed at a hotel for 3 days. She found the details of our counselling centre through the internet and contacted us. Our counsellors asked her to move to the Safe Home as her son would be well taken care of while she went to work. Staying in the Lotus Safe Home gave Pravallika a lot of confidence and strength - she knew there were people who were ready to support her, stand up and fight for her. She moved out of the house after 3 days and moved to a hostel which was closer to her son’s school and her workplace. The counselling helped Pravallika a lot and she is continuing to attend our counselling sessions even now. Pravallika’s son grew very attached to the staff at the Lotus Safe Home and drew a picture (attached with this report) suggesting that it was the safest place in the world!
The Lotus Safe Home caters to varied needs of every woman - while Varsha’s hospital bills were taken care of, we purchased stationery and toys for Pravallika’s son; these expenses are apart from the counselling and everyday expenses of all our residents. Donations by generous patrons will not only help keep the Safe Home up and running but will help us make it a comfortable and secure place to stay in.
*Names of individuals changed to protect their privacy
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