The British High Commis-sion, in an effort to support counselling services, has provided the Help & Shelter with funding.
This support has enabled five counsellors from the institution to offer their services to survivors/victims of domestic violence and has also helped the organisation to reproduce and issue public awareness materials, a press release said.
Simon Bond, British High Commissioner (Ag), visited the organisation’s headquarters on April 14 and discussed the counselling programme and learnt more about the vital work being done by Help & Shelter.
“I’m delighted that the High Commission has been able to support Help & Shelter,” the release quoted Bond as saying. “We are all horrified by the awful cases of domestic and sexual abuse and violence we read about in the press. Help & Shelter is doing vital work to tackle these problems. I’m really impressed by what their counselors, staff and volunteers do to help some of the most vulnerable people in society, including people who find it very difficult to come forward and young children who need such sensitive and expert attention. Sadly this is not a problem that is going away and it’s not a problem just for NGOs or for government. Everyone has a stake and can play a role in preventing some of the most serious and damaging violations of vulnerable individuals – this is not family or private business. Of course Help & Shelter relies on goodwill and I hope very much they can continue to get the essential support they need to do their work from corporate sponsors, funding agencies and government.”
Help & Shelter has a staff of professional and highly experienced individuals who provide extensive hours of face-to-face counselling sessions for clients, mostly women and girls. They also provide comprehensive court support services to prepare clients for their court procedures and even attend court sessions with those pursuing legal action.
Help & Shelter also offers hotline counselling for victims and those at risk, as well as useful advice and referrals to other institutions.
A shelter is also managed by Help & Shelter for those who fall victim to domestic/ sexual abuse.
