Raahat Crisis Centre at Fernandez Hospital Lifeline to Survivors of Domestic Violence
HYDERABAD: "For too long, gender-based violence has been overlooked in our healthcare system, leaving survivors without the support they need. At Raahat, we are committed to changing this narrative,” said Ekta Verma, founder of Invisible Scars Foundation, at the launch of Raahat crisis centre (RCC) here on Thursday.
As part of the initiative to empower victims of domestic violence, the Fernandez Foundation, in collaboration with the Invisible Scars Foundation, inaugurated the centre at Fernandez Hospital in Bogulkunta. The centre is designed to provide survivors with comprehensive support, ensuring that all such women have access to essential services and resources that are crucial for recovery and empowerment.
The event saw the presence of Christina Scott, the British Deputy High Commissioner to India, and Gareth Wynn Owen, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, alongside Dr. Evita Fernandez, chairperson and managing director of Fernandez Foundation.
Christina Scott highlighted the UK's commitment to gender equality, focusing on the 3Es — educating girls, empowering women and girls, and ending gender-based violence — as the guiding principles of their international efforts. She praised the Raahat centre’s potential to make a profound impact on the lives of survivors.
The RCC, under the leadership of Dr. Maimoona Ahmed, a senior obstetrician at Fernandez Hospital, offers clinical intervention, physical and mental health counselling, and referrals for legal and police assistance. The centre will spread community awareness on steps to safeguard women from becoming victims of domestic violence.
Raahat Crisis Centre plans to support over 5,000 survivors of domestic violence.