About Panah:
Panah provides shelter and support to women victims of domestic violence who are under threat to their safety as a result of exercising their choice in marriage or divorce. Panah provides services for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, assault and exploitation. Majority of women entering Panah are married, aged between 16–40 and are mostly illiterate.
The concept of women’s shelter project emerged from the experiences and combined expertise of some of the leading human rights and women’s organizations in Pakistan who recognized the dire need of a women’s shelter. Panah Trust was registered in April 2001 and the shelter home became functional in January 2002. The support of Amnesty International and local philanthropists helped make it a reality. Panah receives women and children from all the provinces and houses around 40-45 women and children at any given time. The numbers are increasing.
Panah seeks to provide a safe and peaceful haven for distressed women. It provides women and children crisis intervention and a range of holistic support services so that they can reconnect with society and continue their healing journey after they leave the shelter.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF PANAH:
- The issues of violence and abuse are the responsibilities of the entire community including legal, social and political structures.
- Panah believes that violence can be physical, emotional, psychological and sexual.
- Provides services catering to the diversity and the cultural differences of our society with a non-judgmental approach.
- Acknowledges that each woman is an individual and has a right to self-determination.
- Works with other voluntary organization and their partners through education, research and services for the benefit of abused women and their children.
- Legal aid, counseling and shelter is provided irrespective of caste, creed, status or religion.
Services Available at Panah:
- Safe shelter and free boarding and lodging to women and their dependent children
- Strict security is provided. Alarm system, C.C. TV cameras, tracking system and vehicles, police escort for special cases.
- Police and Security personnel provide 24-hour security at the residence.
- Free voluntary legal aid is provided by a panel of retired judges and lawyers in matters of reconciliation, khula/divorce, custody of children, maintenance, and recovery of dowry articles, writ/habeas corpus petitions and fabricated criminal cases
- Free services of Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist and Social Workers
- Free Medical Aid which includes complete medical, surgical, hospitalization and at times plastic surgery of burnt or disfigured victims
- Informal education to women and children and vocational training of Sewing, Arts and Crafts, beautician training/personal grooming is provided to women; according to their interest and ability.
- Indoor and outdoor games, art therapy and yoga for recreation and well being,
- Assist in rehabilitation and resettlement
- Promote cooperation among various agencies to ensure seamless web of services for victims.
- Assess viability of reintegrating victims and addressing special needs during the re-integration process, including mediation with families of victims.