ITANAGAR, Jan 3: With the intervention of the Women Helpline (WHL) a child marriage survivor has reclaimed her freedom after suffering years of torture.
According to Naharlagun-based WHL manager Yachu Binny, the girl, hailing from a small village in Arunachal, had been married off at the age of eight by her parents to a man who was about her father’s age.
“She was sexually assaulted time and again by her husband, and was often subjected to domestic violence. She told her father about the harassment she was facing, but her father ignored it,” Binny said.
She said the girl eventually fled, and reached out to the WHL (181).
“The WHL team intervened, sheltered her at Swardhargreh, run by the Oju Welfare Association, Naharlagun, and offered her medical aid and legal assistance,” said Binny.
During her stay at Swardhargreh, she was given vocational training in trades like beauty care, tailoring, weaving, etc, to help her become economically self-reliant.
Binny informed that the girl’s case was forwarded to the court.
“Finally, the accused agreed to give her freedom back and also made an agreement not to disturb her in the future,” Binny said.
“The WHL encourages all women not to tolerate such violence, so that they can help to protect other girls who are going through such unexpected humiliation,” she said.
The WHL is a toll free 24×7 telecom service to assist women affected by violence and those who seek support and information in this regard. One can dial 181 or 9436852222 (mobile) or 03602350377 (landline), or mail at Whlap181@gmail.com for assistance.
