Dharamshala, 25th October: Tibetan women’s organization and the Women Empowerment Desk (CTA) partnered on Friday to raise awareness about domestic violence. The two organizations put up their campaign in Mcleod Ganj’s main square. The Domestic abuse awareness month falls in October.

The crew was handing out badges and T-shirts to raise awareness about domestic abuse. The members also put together a television that plays a song about domestic violence. People can write their concerns about domestic abuse on T-shirts provided by the team, which will then be hung on a rope for all to see.

The group was also handing out flyers regarding the problem. The booklets cover topics such as why it is difficult for a victim to leave an abusive relationship, how to support the victim, and how to contact a helpline(Tibetan Women Helpline).

Myths about domestic violence:

• Domestic violence only happens to women.
• Domestic violence is only physical violence
• It’s easy to leave an abusive relationship

Facts about domestic violence:

• Studies show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men face violence from their spouse and intimate partners
• Domestic violence includes verbal, physical, emotional, psychological, economic as well as sexual
• There are many reasons why a person finds it difficult to leave an abusive relationship. They often fear isolation, social stigma, financial problem as well as the violent situation

Ways to Support Survivors/Victims:

• Reach Out to them

Often a person who is abused may feel scared, ashamed, and alone. Therefore talk to them in private and say “I am worried about you and want to help”.

• Listen

• Do not jump in with advice or assume you know what’s best for them.

• Let the person tell their own story

• Say You believe them and that they can talk to you

• Reach Out to them

Say to the person that there are people who can help them

Share the helpline number and contacts with them

Tell them the helpline can help with emotional counseling

• Be Supportive

• There are many reasons why a person does not leave their violent partners

• Do not Judge or Blame them

Say that it is not their fault and you know that they are doing the best that they can

• Ask them What you can do to Help

• The person may need you to accompany them to a lawyer’s office, buy groceries or even babysit

• Ask them what do they need you to help with right now

• Don’t Give Up

• It may take many tries for the person to leave an abuser so give them some time

• Tell them you are always there for them

• Don’t tell the person what to do

“Domestic violence is about control over another person. A person who is abused needs to make their own choices about what to do. This will help them to regain a sense of power”

• Help the person create a safety plan

This may include:

• a code word to use when they need urgent help
• a step by step plan to leave the house safely and where to go
• an emergency kit (extra key set, clothes, or copies of important documents ), etc.

Tibetan Women Helpline:

Phone – 01892-220120

WhatsApp – 6230937243

Twitter – @TibWomenHlpline

Facebook – @Bhoemay Rogram

Instagram – @tibetanwomenhelpline

Email – tibwomenhelpline2019@gmail.com

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