Syangja Short-Stay Service Center Proves Effective for Violence Victims

Syangja. The short-stay service center established in Syangja for victims of violence is proving effective. The center was established and is being operated with the objective of rescuing, providing relief, and rehabilitating any woman who has been a victim of violence within the district.

The center is being operated under the coordination of Putalibazar Municipality, with the support and partnership of all eleven local levels of the district, under the Gandaki Province Government's Integrated Service Office, Syangja, informed Jeevan Poudel, chief of the Integrated Service Office.

He stated that the service center provides shelter to women who have faced gender-based violence, domestic disputes, or those found abandoned and helpless on the streets, until they are reunited with their families and society.

As many as 22 people have received services at the center so far, said Chief Poudel, noting that 15 of them were women who had fallen victim to rape and sexual assault under gender-based violence. According to him, five were victims of domestic violence, and two were women found abandoned on the streets.

"Especially for the victimized women of violence, the service center's work is proving effective for immediate relief and protection," he said, "Services including free food, snacks, care, accommodation, legal aid, and counseling are being provided." According to him, various services including health treatment are being provided through the One-Stop Crisis Management System at Province Hospital Syangja.

Devi Aryal, Deputy Mayor of Putalibazar Municipality and Coordinator of the Short-Stay Service Center, stated that the short-stay service center is playing an effective role in protecting women who have faced violence and preventing potential incidents. She mentioned that although the work of the short-stay service center is effective, some people are unable to access the services due to a lack of information about it.

"We immediately rescue women who have faced violence, bring them to the short-stay center for shelter, and then help them reintegrate into society," said Deputy Mayor Aryal, "When women face violence, their self-confidence can weaken, and they may reach a point where they cannot stay at home or in society; during such times, we keep them here, provide counseling, understand the incident, and take necessary steps for justice."