Tajikistan: legal assistance and educational work for women
Ava* had often tried to show her husband. He has abused her, physically and mentally. He was an alcoholic. But the police officers they turned to ignore them. Her suffering - and thus also that of her three children - continued.
Domestic and sexual violence against girls and women is a major problem in many regions of Tajikistan. They are repeatedly abused by male "heads of the family." Victims have no clear and easy way out to seek protection. Police officers are barely sensitized to this issue. Often, they themselves fail to take the problem seriously enough. "Inson va Adolat" is fighting against this: The Terre des Hommes partner organization is committed to combating domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, both in local communities and among refugees. Its work focuses on prevention, raising awareness among government and officials, and providing support and legal advice to victims. Where necessary, Inson va Adolat also organizes free legal assistance and represents the girls and women in court – pro bono.
They are cases like that of AVA. Years earlier, she fled to the neighboring conflicts of Afghanistan to neighboring Tajik. She found work as an English teacher at a local school - but then the abuse began. In the hope of finally getting support after years, Ava finally turned to the Inson VA Adolat office. In fact, there was a legal advisor to help her, ensure justice and opened a way out.
Today AVA is in the process of building up a new life. With her children, but far from her violent husband.