Introduction: In alignment with our commitment to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, we organized a significant awareness campaign focused on Domestic Violence Awareness. The event was aimed at increasing public knowledge, challenging societal norms, and providing critical information on how to prevent and respond to domestic violence. The campaign took place at Bancamp, Samba, and was a collaborative effort by several key organizations dedicated to the empowerment and well-being of women and girls in Jammu and Kashmir.
Event Overview:
The awareness camp was organized by Social Work Trainees Sonakshi, Deepika, and Sachin from the Department of Social Work, Central University of Jammu, in partnership with multiple stakeholders committed to women’s rights and social justice. The session brought together diverse organizations and local communities to engage in critical conversations about the urgent need to address domestic violence and its impacts on individuals and communities.
The camp was held in collaboration with:
- Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission, Samba
- J&K Women Cell
- J&K Police, Samba
- District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Samba
Key Activities and Highlights:
- Educational Workshops:
Several workshops were conducted to educate participants about the signs of domestic violence, the legal rights of women, and available support services. These sessions were tailored to the specific needs of different groups, including women, men, and youth, to foster a broader understanding of the issue.
- Legal And Social Support Information:
Representatives from the J&K Police and DHEW provided valuable information about the legal framework surrounding domestic violence, including how to file complaints, protection orders, and other avenues for support. This information empowered women and community members to take action if they or someone they know is affected by domestic violence.
- Community Engagement:
A key focus of the camp was community engagement, encouraging both men and women to challenge harmful stereotypes, attitudes, and behaviours that perpetuate domestic violence. Interactive activities were used to involve participants in discussions about healthy relationships, gender norms, and respect for human dignity.
- Resource Distribution:
Informational pamphlets, helpline numbers, and contact information for local support services were distributed to attendees. These materials provided immediate access to critical resources, ensuring that victims of domestic violence knew where to turn for help.
- Empowerment and Self-Defense:
Sessions on self-defence techniques were also included to empower women with the skills to protect themselves. These practical workshops were aimed at increasing confidence and reducing vulnerability among participants.
Impact and Outcomes:
- Increased Awareness: The session reached over 100 participants, including women, men, youth, and local leaders, significantly increasing awareness about domestic violence and the importance of gender equality.
- Access to Resources: Many attendees reported greater knowledge of available legal and social services, with several individuals following up on support after the event.
- Community Mobilization: The camp helped galvanize local communities to take a more active role in preventing domestic violence. It also contributed to changing societal attitudes toward domestic violence, promoting a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence.
- Stronger Partnerships: The collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and civil society organizations strengthened the network of support available to survivors of domestic violence in the region.
Challenges:
- Social Stigma: Deep-rooted societal stigma around domestic violence made it difficult for some individuals to engage fully in the discussions and seek help.
- Lack of Resources: Limited resources and support systems for long-term care and protection of victims remain a significant challenge in effectively addressing domestic violence.
- Logistical Challenges: Reaching remote areas and ensuring that participants in rural locations had access to the sessions posed logistical barriers.
Conclusion:
This Domestic Violence Awareness Session was a crucial step toward achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, we were able to provide valuable information, foster open dialogue, and create an environment of support and solidarity for women facing violence.
We are proud of the outcomes of this initiative and remain committed to continuing our efforts to eliminate domestic violence and promote gender equality through awareness, education, and empowerment.
Acknowledgements:
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Social Work Trainees Sonakshi, Deepika, and Sachin, the Department of Social Work, Central University of Jammu, and all our partners including Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission, Samba, J&K Women Cell, J&K Police, Samba, and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Samba, for their dedication, collaboration, and support in making this event a success.
We look forward to furthering our collective efforts in the fight against domestic violence and for the empowerment of women and girls in the coming year.