Background
Project HOPE adopts a comprehensive community-driven strategy to address gender-based and domestic violence engaging multiple levels such as communities, wards, municipalities, and districts. This step-by-step approach ensures a coordinated response, fostering collaboration among local leaders, healthcare providers and social services. By integrating these different levels, Project HOPE aims to create a supportive network that empowers survivors, raises awareness and promotes sustainable change within communities to combat violence effectively.
In January 2023, NATAN partnered with the local NGO Relief Nepal to launch community-based projects focused on providing psychosocial support in Hariharpurgadhi, Sindhuli , Nepal. The initiative began with a remote assessment which identified several pressing issues faced by the community including suicidal tendencies, gender-based violence, alcohol abuse and the marginalized social status of women. Based on these findings, a follow-up physical assessment was conducted in February 2023, allowing us to refine our scope and objectives ensuring our intervention matched the community’s specific needs and challenges.
Project HOPE commenced on April 2023 -ongoing.
Impact
- Home visits of victims: We carried home visits to provide support to victims of domestic violence and individuals in need of psychosocial assistance. These visits were designed not only to offer direct support to the victims but also to engage with their families. We aimed to create a supportive environment that encourages healing and recovery, educates about the impacts of domestic violence, and promotes positive change within the household dynamics.
- Counseling Support: We provided counseling support to 30 individuals addressing a range of needs including those related to domestic violence, mental health challenges and general psychosocial support. The support included providing a safe space for individuals to express their feelings offering coping strategies and connecting them with additional resources if needed.
- Referral cases at OCMC and Safe House: We referred 5 individuals to the One-Stop Crisis Management Center (OCMC) and Safe House. These referrals were made to ensure that victims of domestic violence or those in need of urgent support received specialized care and protection. The OCMC provided integrated services including medical care, legal aid and counseling, while the Safe House offered a secure environment and additional support services. This aimed to address the urgent needs of these individuals and facilitate their access to resources that promote safety, recovery, and empowerment.
- Child Right Protection orientation and training to students: These sessions aimed to educate students about their rights and the importance of safeguarding those rights. 58 students actively participated in these sessions The training covered topics such as recognizing abuse, understanding legal protections, and knowing how to seek help. By empowering students with this knowledge, we aimed to promote a safer environment for children and encourage proactive measures in protecting their rights.
- Legal Orientation from Superintendent of Police and District Administrative Officer: We organized legal orientation sessions conducted by the Superintendent of Police and the District Administrative Officer. 84 participants took part in these sessions. These sessions were designed to provide participants with essential information about legal frameworks and procedures related to domestic violence, child protection, and other relevant issues. The orientations covered topics such as legal rights, reporting mechanisms and the roles of various legal and administrative bodies.
- Community Orientation: We conducted community orientation sessions aimed at raising awareness and educating community members about important issues such as domestic violence, child protection and available support services. Total of 43 participants attended these sessions. These sessions were aimed to engage the community, foster a deeper understanding of these issues and encourage collective action. Participants learned about recognizing signs of abuse, understanding rights and resources and how to support affected individuals within the community.
- Training from NATAN’s Expert: These training sessions provided in-depth knowledge and practical skills on key topics related to our work such as addressing domestic violence, psychosocial support and community engagement. The training aimed to equip participants with the latest strategies, methodologies and tools to effectively tackle these issues. 109 participants actively participated in these training sessions.
Impact (Numbers)
- Home visits of victims: 40
- Counseling Support: 30 cases
- Referral cases at OCMC and Safe House: 5
- Child Right Protection orientation and training to students: 3
- Legal Orientation from Superintendent of Police and District Administrative Officer: 2
- Community Orientation: 3
- Trainings from NATAN’s Expert: 3
- Total no. of beneficiaries: 328
