CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTRE

“Rape is something you’ll never forget. It’s a severe trauma, but still, I firmly believe that no matter what the crisis, however severe, it is possible to come back to normalcy, given the right environment. That’s what we are trying to do.”
(Pearl Stephen, WDC Coordinator)

The Haragama Crisis Centre is one of the largest shelters in Sri Lanka. It is not only a safe place for women and girls to recover from violence or abuse, but from the moment they arrive, they are embraced in a community of support and caring.

Women and girls contribute to the daily life of the Centre. They work together in the kitchen, in the gardens, tending to the farm animals, and doing other daily chores. They are made to feel part of a family, part of a community. They also receive skills training, in areas such as housekeeping and cookery, loom weaving, sewing and handicrafts, home gardening, animal husbandry, shop work, fabric painting and other vocational skills

“I came here five years ago and I was very afraid because I didn’t know what to expect. But with all the support and love and affection of the staff, it has made a big difference in my life. I feel that mentally I have returned to normal; and I am much happier now”
(Client, Haragama Crisis Centre)

The Haragama Crisis Centre provides shelter for women and children, victims of abuse of many forms of violence, sexual, physical or mental. The WDC’s initial priority is to provide shelter and security; and then to help women and girls gain self-confidence and self-esteem. The Centre also provides clients with:

• Skills development training
• Counseling
• Job placements
• Occupational therapy
• Support for continuing education
• Developing good habits, developing healthy relationships and self-discipline
• Awareness raising programs in health care, nutrition, HIV Aids, women’s diseases, rights education
• Legal aid
• Clinical (medical) facilities
• Weaving, sewing, cookery, house keeping
rights education
• Animal husbandry and home gardening
• Coordination with judiciary, police, probation and child care, UNICEF and other relevant organizations