With COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown triggering unbridled cases of domestic violence across Meghalaya in 2020, this year too is no different with rising number of cases surfacing everyday, even while many go undetected. To provide help and assistance for women facing DV in Meghalaya, NEN has appointed Out Reach Workers in various areas of East and West Khasi Hills. Our ORWs found many unreported cases of Domestic Violence during door-to-door visits. Most of the women facing abuse suffer silently for fear and lack of proper legal information. To answer this critical need, NEN organised an Awareness Programme on Domestic Violence, at Cantonment Area, Paltan Bazaar, Shillong on 11th September, 2021. During the event, many women spoke out and shared their story of violence.
The participants were sensitised on Domestic Violence, VAW and the Legal services available. The women of Cantonment Area, Paltan Bazaar, Shillong, the staff members of Lamjingshai and NEN team participated in the programme. Ms. Rebina Subba, Advocate and Independent Consultant, was the Resource Person. Ms. Samanda S. Phanwar, the Coordinator of Lamjingshai, shared valuable information about the health care services available like MHIS, family planning method services and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The women also learned about the availability of STIs testing services provided by the Government. The women participants supported each other by sharing their views and opinions on how to combat the issue. This event was held under the APPI Project.
