Counseling and Rehabilitation of Domestic Violence Victims

 

Rehabilitation is the process of getting one’s life back to normal or near-normal after a traumatic experience. Women who have been victims of domestic violence go through, financial, social and psychological problems. They need assistance to move on and be self dependent.

Counseling is a structured conversation between two or more people that assists one of the participants to work through the specific personal problems. Counselors encourage people to recognize and develop their own coping skills so they can deal more effectively with problems.

Domestic violence involves many forms of abuse which sometimes leaves lifelong scars (both physical and mental) on the victims. In order to help them in healing themselves counseling is provided by many organizations that work on domestic violence.

A counselor needs to have the necessary skills to deal with victims of domestic violence. He/she should have a degree in the subject Social Work preferably Medical and Psychiatric Social Work or Applied Psychology.

Counseling and rehabilitation are interconnected. In order to rehabilitate a person counseling sessions are provided.

 

Infrastructure for Rehabilitation

Organizations like Shakti Shalini provide rehabilitation facilities where various experts are involved in the rehabilitation of domestic violence victims. It includes – Shelter homes for women in distress.

·   Crisis intervention and counseling service which includes – Crisis intervention, intensive and regular counseling, physical and mental healthcare, legal advice and litigation services, vocational training, art programs, educational and employment assistance and housing aid

 

Shelter homes for women in distress

Although Shakti Shalini provides counseling services to victims regardless of their gender and sexual orientation or age, it has the capability of providing shelter to only women victims and their children. The Shelter Home can cater to about 10 women along with their children although it can accommodate many more if the need arises. It has 4 rooms, 2 bathroom come toilet and a kitchen. Medical aid is also provided to them in the shelter home.

Infrastructure for Counseling Centers / One Stops Crisis Centers

Counseling can be done in person or through phone calls as well although the former form of counseling is more preferable.

A counseling centre should have

• ·         An implementing agency or NGO to monitor it
• ·         Spatial rooms for the workers to work and take in cases comfortably
• ·         Trained counselors
• ·         Police facilitation officer
• ·         Para-medical staff
• ·         Multi-purpose worker and
• ·         A security guard.
• ·         The counseling centers should also have a helpline in order to help out victims during emergencies.

In the counseling center of NGO Shakti Shalini, support and counseling is provided irrespective of their gender and sexual orientation. Counseling involves many sessions in a period of time to assist the victims in every step towards recovery. The center also provides legal guidance, guidance on health care, guidance on acceptance of oneself and giving oneself a chance to lead a better life. All clients are dealt with individually and sometimes group activities are also conducted. Family counseling is also provided in many cases where it feels necessary to involve the family especially the husband of the victim. The victims are also given vocational training and employment opportunities to make them self reliant.

The aim according to the NGO is to take measure on every aspect of the suffering of the client and implementing an informed plan for one’s relief. The choice remains entirely with the client.

References

https://shaktishalini.org

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lack-of-funds-infrastructure-and-training-in-one-stop-crisis-centres-women-panel-report-6210728/

www.endvawnow.org PDF file (Counseling guidelines on Domestic Violence)