Raahat Crisis Centre Offers a Lifeline to Survivors of Domestic Violence

• The centre is a partnership between Fernandez Foundation & Invisible Scars Foundation
• Over 5,000 survivors will receive support through its resource hub

Hyderabad, 22 August 2024: The Fernandez Foundation, known for its commitment to women’s empowerment, launched the Raahat Crisis Centre in partnership with the Invisible Scars Foundation on Thursday. The inaugural event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest, Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India and Guest of Honour, Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana and AP along with Dr Evita Fernandez, chairperson and MD of Fernandez Foundation and special invitees in attendance.

Speaking at the launch, Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India, said, “Supporting women and girls is at the heart of the UK’s international work. Our focus for gender equality is guided by the 3Es – ‘Educating girls, Empowering women and girls, and Ending gender-based violence’. I am pleased to launch the Raahat Crisis Centre in Hyderabad. The Centre will ensure survivors of domestic violence can safely access the support they need for their well-being and help them reach their full potential, a fundamental right for all.”

Spearheaded by Dr Maimoona Ahmed, a senior obstetrician, at Fernandez Hospital and supported by Ekta Verma, founder of Invisible Scars Foundation, Raahat Crisis Centre will serve as a guiding light for survivors of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) ensuring they have access to the resources and care they need to rebuild their lives.

Located within the Fernandez Hospital at Bogulkunta, it offers a range of services addressing their immediate needs and long-term recovery, apart from promoting community awareness and prevention efforts. The services include clinical intervention, physical and mental health counselling, and legal and police referrals.

“With the establishment of Raahat Crisis Centre, our goal is to support women who find themselves trapped in the cycle of abuse. We aim to empower them by offering clinical care, guidance regarding legal aid, assistance with relocation, or simply offering a compassionate listening ear. Through our sensitisation efforts, we aspire to transform our society, creating a safer and better environment for future generations,” said Dr Maimoona Ahmed, Senior Obstetrician, Fernandez Hospital.

“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. By training the hospital staff to recognise and respond to domestic violence, we will ensure every survivor who walks through our doors is met with compassion, sensitivity, and the resources they need to break free from abuse,” said Ekta Viiveck Verma, Founder, Invisible Scars Foundation