Initiated in 1987, MASUM’s programme on countering VAW includes counselling centres Samvaad (dialogue) located at Saswad (Purandar taluka) and Bhor (Bhor taluka) that reach out to women survivors of violence, abuse and exploitation. These centres also provide legal and emotional support through experienced social workers and a senior lawyer. Samvaad has strong linkages with all village level programmes of MASUM and it networks with the free legal aid centre of the district court of Pune, crisis shelters and women’s organisations in Pune.
Immediate support is provided to women in distress, especially those at risk of suicide or homicide at the village level by locally formed support groups of women (Aadhar Gats) who intervene at the household level to stop violence, including rescuing the woman and organising overnight shelter. Awareness against VAW is created through meetings in the village to empower women facing domestic violence and sensitise the community. Support groups are trained to take up issues of VAW into the public space, pressurising village leadership to act on behalf of the victim / survivor. Panchayat members, Tanta Mukt Gram Samiti members, Ploice Patils and Police personnel are sensitized to make Gender Based Violence socially and politically unacceptable and be recognized as violation of Human Rights. Other programmes of MASUM are linked to preventing violence and discrimination against women, beginning from early childhood. Working with men as well as boys and girls is considered essential for a better dialogue between genders, and for women’s right to maintenance and property to be realised.
