Udaipur : The state’s first special counseling cell ‘Nirbhaya’ opened in MB Hospital of Udaipur city has identified 425 women victims of domestic violence in three months. Of these, 151 women themselves went to the cell to seek help, while the rest were searched in different ways in the hospital itself. Now, after listening to their problems, efforts are being made to provide them legal aid, counselling, solving cases through mediation, providing proper medical advice as well as connecting them with employment etc.
This special cell was established in MB Hospital from 26th August. Women suffering from domestic violence came to this hospital for treatment for themselves or their family members. When these women who came to OPD and different wards were talked to, they were found to be victims of domestic violence. She was not even able to ask anyone for help. Apart from domestic violence, information about some women suffering from health related diseases, mental stress, injuries and physical pain also came to light. She was struggling due to lack of proper help and treatment.
Some are ignored because they don’t have children, some are beaten by their husbands.
Case 1- 35 year old Anita (name changed) reached the OPD of medicine due to the problem of white discharge. The doctor referred him to contact Nirbhaya cell. In counselling, she told that she was not able to have children. Because of this everyone in the house stopped talking to him. The counselor called her husband. Both of them were counseled four times in one and a half months.
Case 2- 40 year old Sarita (name changed) came to the psychiatry department presenting with sleep problems. The doctor got him connected to Nirbhaya cell. Here it came to light that the husband beats her after drinking alcohol. Her husband was also called in the next counselling. After counseling, he was consulted by a doctor to get rid of his alcohol addiction. There is a lot of improvement in their relationship now.
Case 3- 26 year old Kamla (name changed) came to the hospital for the delivery of her sister-in-law. When he saw him sitting on the bench, silent and stressed, the team talked to him. During counselling, it came to light that her husband had brought her sister with him and both were living together. When the wife raised questions, he beat her. Now Nirbhaya Cell is helping him.
Survey is done for two hours every day
This cell is operating in the outpatient department from 9 am to 3 pm. It is being operated by Swati Institute of Gujarat. Currently it has a team of 2 counselors. They conduct surveys for 2 hours in the morning in the OPD of medicine, gynecology, emergency, psychiatry and other departments of the hospital. During this, women suffering from domestic violence are identified.
pleasant results are emerging
“This cell is operating in the Out Patient Department (OPD) of MB Hospital. This initiative has been taken to tackle domestic violence and empower women in the community. It is yielding positive results. If needed in future. Other assistance will also be provided to them.”
