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Much attention was given to current protocols for cases of violence, both in the medical system and the legal system. Maitri and HRLN welcomed speakers from both government and private hospitals to explain the protocols for women who have been affected by sexual violence from the point of coming in for an examination, to collecting forensic evidence, to referring the case to legal authorities and providing counseling to the victim. Several psychologists were also available to speak about the psychological implications of violence and the importance of counseling to the survivor & her family.

Members from of the legal system were invited to talk about laws both present and future for addressing violence against women. Speakers discussed the police force in their dealings with cases of violence against women, rape crisis intervention, and taking legal action against perpetrators. A common theme throughout the seminar was the idea that laws are tools for anti-violence, but not the most important tool. In order for laws to be effective, they must be accompanied by a change in societal attitude for the issue by both men and women together.

To close out the Seminar, Maitri launched a campaign entitled “Count on me” in order to engage men and boys in the effort to end violence against women. Maitri aims to obtain over one million signatures for this effort by the 31st of March,2014. Although the campaign has been initially launched in Delhi, Maitri seeks to extend it past the boundaries of the Capital and accumulate pledges from men and boys in other States of the country as well. By signing the pledge, these men are demonstrating their personal commitment to end violence against women.

Although the campaign is targeted toward mobilizing men and boys in the effort to end violence against women, Maitri feels that the importance of empowering women should not be forgotten. In support of the “Count on me” pledge, a literary piece has been put forward entitled “I am a Woman and I have an Identity.” This essay is a declaration of their rights as a woman and an encouragement to recognize their self-worth. The piece further urges women to realize that they are not to blame for the violence they may have endured and that they are not alone in their struggle.

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This was made possible because of our generous donors who not only donated to our project on Global Giving, but also supported us by spreading the word about it.

Our primary goal was for the widowed women to use the blankets to stay warm during the cold season,so we ordered 400 custom-made woolen blankets with Maitri India’s logo sewn on so that the widows would not sell these blankets.

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Maitri Sensitization and Education Workshop on Domestic Violence and AIDS Awareness

J&K Police, 31st January, 2013

Maitri was invited to conduct a one day sensitization and education workshop on Domestic Violence and AIDS awareness with 900 Police and the families with the J&K Police Academy on 31^st January, 2013. The main focus of the said educational and interactive session was Domestic Violence and its impact on health with a special focus on STI and HIV/AIDS related issues.

The aim of the workshop was to sensitize the Police personnel and their families and make them aware about various aspects of domestic violence and its impact on health so that when they get a report, they would be able to take appropriate measures and reduce the case to a mere marital discord. Also it was explained in detail to the above mentioned participants the cost of domestic violence to the organization, society and the Nation.

The programme started at 9:00 AM with a total of 900 Police & their wives participating in the said workshop. The programme was organized & supported by the Director of the Police Academy & IPS, IG Farooq Khan, IPS & DIG Mr. Parminder Singh, Dy SP Mr. Liyakat Ali, Inspector Sanmati Gupta & Inspector Champa. The workshop commenced with a welcome note by Inspector Champa. Four sessions with different groups of participants were conducted in the said workshop. An interactive presentation was made on Domestic violence and its impact on the health of women and existing legal system in India by Ms Anita Gupta, Project Coordinator, and Ms Piyali De, Project Manager, Maitri.

The workshop was conducted in Hindi. Detailed information was given on definition, types of domestic violence and the present legal system especially “The Domestic Violence Act 2005” by Ms Anita Gupta. The information about implementation of above mentioned Act in J&K from 2011 was also given. Participants were given all information about existing legal instruments available and all the options women can opt for. During the presentation some videos like ‘Babul Jiya’ and ‘Bell Bajao’ campaigning clips were also used for more effective understanding. The session was very interactive and well received by the participants. It was encouraging for the Maitri team to see the curiosity in the women participants to know various nuances.

A detailed presentation on ‘Impact of domestic Violence on health’ was given by Ms Piyali De. In this session, domestic violence and its impact on, physical, psychological, sexual and reproductive health was explained in detail through different pictures, PPT and in-depth interaction with the participants. Stigma & discrimination associated with such decease was also explained in details. Various roots of HIV transmission were discussed. In this part of the session, chances of spreading HIV infection through ‘Tattoo Practices’ and ‘PEP’ (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) were shared as well.

First two sessions with women Inspector trainees & Dy SP trainees groups ended at 2:00 pm with a thanks giving note by Ms Champa and group lunch.

Post lunch, the third & fourth sessions with male constables & thier wives took place, starting at 3:00pm. As the morning sessions, interactive presentations were made on Domestic Violence and its impact on health of women and existing legal system in India by Anita Gupta, Project Coordinator and Ms Piyali. Some videos like ‘Babul Jiya’ and ‘Bell Bajao’ campaigning clips for effecting understanding. was shown. A detailed presentation on physical, reproductive, sexual and mental health of an individual due to domestic violence was given, through pictures etc., by Ms Piyali De. She also explained Domestic Violence and its relation to HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection, and its impacts.  The session was full of interaction with participants. Experiences on such issues were also shared.

At the end of session a thanks giving note was given by Inspector Champa and Inspector Sanmati Gupta. The programme ended at 6 O’clock with a high tea.

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Please add the link to this event in Project Samvedana as well.

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