Medicin Du Monde

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) of the Punjab Province - which has a total population of 86 million - has dedicated a specific institution, the Dar-ul-Aman (DUA) i.e “House of Peace” in support of women, who are victims of violence. The DUA is a temporary shelter for women and their children who feel that their security is at stake or need an alternative residence as they are under threat. Women are usually admitted to a Dar-ul-Aman through court order or police. During recent years however, more women are being admitted on voluntary (own-will) basis.

Since 2007, Médecins du Monde (MdM) has assisted the Punjab Social Welfare authorities, partly by expanding the Dar-ul-Aman from eight to 34, partly to improve conditions in women's homes. This is done in close collaboration with professional networks and with a group of NGOs called the “Mumkin Alliance”, which works with battered women. More than 150 volunteers provide various services, such as medical care, legal assistance, crisis counselling and psychological help. 

Danida is collaborating with MdM by providing financial support to three components: 

• Capacity building of social services and DUA staff to establish mechanisms to ensure access for women and children at Dar-ul-Aman for physical protection, medical and legal assistance and care. Minimum standards are defined for each DUA in order to maintain its effectiveness and enhance its delivery services.
• Establishment of formal public-private partnerships – 1)Between the social authorities at the provincial    level and the DUA at the district level, 2)Professional networks (eg. Young Doctor Association and the Province and district Bar Associations) as well as civil society actors with the aim to provide the necessary services.
• Strengthening of the “Mumkin Alliance” consisting of 15 local NGOs, who are working on violence against women in Punjab through advocacy and information activities as well as by developing common methodologies and tools.