Aarohini team helps a victim of domestic violence during the lockdown

On April 16, 2020, former activist Iti, from Red.org reported a domestic violence case to Ms Priyanka Saxena, assistant program manager of Aarohini. She shared the contact number of the victim's brother, Pawan. Upon contacting Pawan, we were told that his sister Prem Sheela has been facing domestic violence for the past 6 years, and during the lockdown conditions have worsened for her and her 2 year-old boy. Prem Sheela was married in 2014 to Avinash, and was living with him, their 2-year-old boy and her mother in-law. Pawan also informed the Aarohini team that Avinash fed 4 to 5 chillies to the child, after which the child's health deteriorated and was not even letting Prem Sheela to consult a doctor.

The team took quick action and contacted the childline in Varanasi. With the help of Child Line and Asha Jyoti Center, Prem Sheela lodged an FIR against her husband and was sent to a shelter home along with her child. After about 25 days of staying at a shelter home, Aarohini team was successful in taking permission from the District Magistrate to allow Prem Sheela’s brother, Pawan to come and take her home. Prem Sheela and her child are currently safe at her father's house and she has informed us that she will take strict legal action against her husband as soon as the lockdown is relieved.