A Surge of the Shadows

Go digital but retain link between online & on-ground services to tackle gender-based violence.

Across the world, COVID-19 induced lockdown accelerated the rise in deteriorating mental health conditions among people and anxieties stemming from severe economic distress. In addition, psycho-social conditions caused from being locked within small spaces created a volatile and toxic environment leading to an increase in gender based violence (GBV).

Kahi Ankahi Baatein (KAB) is a 24×7 mobile phone based IVRS infoline that provides information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and GBV in Hindi to girls, women and transpersons. This AWC program is implemented by CREA in India and has a nationwide reach. KAB, being a telecommunications-dependent intervention, continued its work during the lockdown. However, limitations like lack of privacy for the user to access confidential services and the cutting off of on-ground emergency response mechanisms needed to mitigate GBV– community support, peer outreach, safe housing and transport options, mental and physical health services and access to justice – soon emerged, prompting KAB to reach out to CREA partners and explore including new features and adapting some of its content to respond to the crisis.

KAB started curating and disseminating information on helplines/hotlines for GBV and clinics that offer SRHR and GBV related services in partnership with Family Planning Association of India. Alongside, an online counselling cum referral platform was developed by CREA, TARSHI and Gram Vaani to serve as a one stop service for counselling on GBV and SRHR in multiple languages across India.

The need for digital platforms that address GBV related issues during emergencies emerged as a learning along with the importance of foregrounding the online-offline linkages between relief mechanisms and not seeing it as an either/or option.

Artwork by Sonaksha Iyengar.

Story curated by CREA.

View the illustrated story here.