From Victim to Victor: Empowering Resilience Against Gender-Based Violence

From Victim to Victor: Empowering Resilience Against Gender-Based Violence

By: Zia Shakeel

On February 28, 2024, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, in collaboration with Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) and the Social Welfare Department, organized an awareness program at the ADR center of the District Legal Services Authority Srinagar. This program, under the guidance of Chairman (PDJ) DLSA Srinagar, Mr. Jawad Ahmed, aimed to shed light on the NALSA (Legal Services to Victims of Acid Attack) Scheme, 2016, and the Domestic Violence Act.

The event was attended by esteemed guests including Mr. Raja Mohammad Tasleem, Chief Judicial Magistrate/Chairman Tehsil Legal Service Committee, Srinagar, Mr. Jahangir Ahmed Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar, Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed, District Social Welfare Srinagar, Adv. Asiya Farooq, Centre Administrator, OSC, Srinagar, along with officials from DLSA Srinagar & One Stop Centre Department, Female Panel Lawyers, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Female Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar, Anganwadi Workers, and survivors of Domestic Violence & Acid Attack.

Mr. Raja Mohammad Tasleem, Chief Judicial Magistrate/Chairman Tehsil Legal Service Committee, Srinagar, emphasized the significance of legal aid and support for victims and highlighted the protective provisions of the NALSA Scheme and the Domestic Violence Act.

Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed, District Social Welfare Srinagar, underscored the pivotal role of the District Social Welfare Department and the One Stop Centre in aiding victims and educating the community about the Domestic Violence Act.

Ms. Asiya Farooq, Incharge, One Stop Centre, Srinagar, stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and public awareness regarding legal provisions.

Ms. Rubina Shafi, Case Worker at OSC, Srinagar, delved into the details of the NALSA Scheme, emphasizing the entitlements available to acid attack victims and the necessity of timely legal intervention.

Ms. Deeba, a Gender Specialist, discussed various schemes aimed at women’s upliftment.

Adv. Zainab Amin, Paralegal Lawyer of OSC, Srinagar, elaborated on the Acid Attack Scheme 2016, focusing on compensation and rehabilitation provisions for acid attack victims.

Survivors Ms. Sehar Nazir, Assistant LADC, Srinagar, and a Survivor of Domestic Violence, shared their personal journeys and were honored for their resilience and bravery.

The event, moderated by Ms. Sunila Kumari, (JLA), DLSA Srinagar, aimed to spread awareness, provide support, and empower survivors of gender-based violence on their path to healing and justice.