Last updated:

October 24, 2024

Conversation with Fatima Babakhani, manager of the safe house “Mehrshams Afarid”/ Azar Taherabadi

گفتگوی زنان و عضویت در شورای اجرایی سازمان زنان اشاره کرد

Fatima Babakhani is a graduate of law and an activist for women’s rights. Her activities in the field of women’s rights include being the editor-in-chief of the women’s dialogue magazine and being a member of the executive council of the women’s organization.

“Women’s progress”

“And also, the management of a safe house in Urmia county, called Mehrshams Afarid, was mentioned. Mehrshams Afarid, the only active safe house in West Azerbaijan province, was established by a group of concerned individuals as a non-governmental organization (NGO) under the umbrella of Mehrshams Afarid Institute, which specializes in women’s issues and works to reduce violence and social harms. The founders of Mehrshams Afarid wrote on their official Instagram page about the reason for the establishment of this safe house: “Our story began when each of us was looking for a meaningful job for a special reason, and we came together here. One of us was in contact with many women and girls who were victims of domestic violence and abuse due to her civil activities, one was a teacher in remote border villages who knew about the suffering of girls who couldn’t continue their education, another was a lawyer involved in criminal cases of violence against women or

In this issue of Khat-e-Solh, we went to Baba-Khani to ask him about the creation of the safe house of Mehrshams and his activities.

 

As the first question, please ask that

What is the necessity of having safe homes?

Given the lack of protective laws for women in Iran and the numerous deficiencies in this area, as well as the existence of hidden gender-based violence, it seems that safe houses are the only legal option and approach to stop violence and reduce gender-based crimes. These safe houses play a special and highly important role in Iran, as this legal solution, which is a mechanism for stopping violence in the rest of the world, is fundamentally threatened in Iran. Therefore, it has a doubly difficult and perhaps even more challenging role.

We often witness that specialized interventions in safe houses lead to a complete cessation of violence or the start of treatment and necessary counseling for both the perpetrator and the victim of violence. It is also an effective mechanism to prevent many honor killings and similar acts through the quick actions of safe houses.

Which group of women do you serve at “Mehrshams Afarid”?

Mehrshams Non-Governmental Safe House provides services to women who have experienced domestic violence for any reason.

In this safe house, the acceptance and referral process is carried out through social emergency number 123 and with a judicial order, based on welfare protocols, similar to other government and non-government safe houses.

Mrs. Babakhani,‌های خانگی

As you know, administrative bureaucracies in Iran are usually very cumbersome; wouldn’t it be better if their services were provided in a different way? Is it possible to change this method and speed up the acceptance of clients to prevent domestic killings?“سلام، من از اینکه با تو صحبت می‌کنم خوشحالم”

“Hello, I am happy to be talking to you.”

How can we get more respect?

Here, an important point must be noted; more important than bureaucratic procedures, is the lack of awareness about the existence of safe houses, their social mission and services, their impact in stopping domestic violence and honor killings, and the lack of sufficient information and trust building towards them, which if addressed, would definitely result in fewer murders and domestic violence cases than what currently exists.

“We must be partners and stakeholders in the survival and sustainability of existing non-governmental safe houses. This means that we should prevent these houses from closing down through various forms of support, including financial support. Additionally, we should inform and build trust in the activities and services of these safe houses. On the other hand, we should also support experts to increase the number of non-governmental safe houses.”

How many women have you covered so far?

Mehrshams Safe House has provided daily and 24/7 services, covering a large number of women and girls in the past year. These services even include violent individuals and the families of those receiving services. Therefore, it includes a large number of people.

Do these women receive support services for their children?

Yes, mothers living in safe houses can also bring their children with them. However, there is an age limit of 12 years for accepting sons, but we are open to accepting daughters without any age restrictions.

What are your support services?

Our support services cover a wide range of services; from housing and accommodation to providing all expenses for food and clothing, medical expenses, childbirth, prenatal care, dental care, and medical care for children with their mothers, providing necessary supplies during the COVID-19 period (including hygiene items and necessary health and care equipment). We also offer all legal services and expenses for litigation, drafting and filing lawsuits, and related costs for lawyers and the like. We also assist clients in returning to education and consider the necessary resources and allocation of related expenses.

You mentioned returning to education. Do you have any other plans for empowering these individuals in their return to society?

Yes, we have planned programs for professional rehabilitation and skills training based on the needs of these individuals. We have also facilitated their participation in courses of interest, such as specialized painting courses, language and computer training. Additionally, we have included training in sewing workshops, related techniques in pastry making, handicrafts, and learning other vocational skills that can lead to the establishment of a profitable home-based business in our programs.

In addition, counseling services and psychiatric treatments are provided by a specialized psychiatrist at the center, and we also hold group therapy sessions.

How many safe houses are there in Iran?

The total number of safe government and non-government houses in Iran is close to 30 (currently in operation).

There are very few safe government and non-governmental houses in the whole country! Why can’t NGOs have extensive activities in Iran?

One of the reasons for the misuse of NGOs is the pursuit of personal interests and similar actions, or the inability of organizations to take specialized action in their field. In addition, existing limitations or various pressures, limited financial resources, and insufficient specialized personnel have also caused these non-governmental organizations to face numerous problems and challenges in their performance.

What is the situation like for addressing vulnerable women in small cities like Urmia – where you are active – compared to Tehran?

Undoubtedly, active centers in the capital have more potential and actual capacity to support violence-affected and vulnerable women due to the extensive support resources and infrastructure. However, at Mehrshams Afarid, we strive with concern and seriousness to provide necessary services to even more women with these limited resources and facilities.

How many percent of women in rural areas do you think are aware of receiving support services for safe houses?

Presenting the percentage is truly a difficult task. Surely, the cultural and social atmosphere of our society has not been able to meet the necessary expectations in identifying safe and secure homes. Therefore, my insistence and the insistence of my friends on increasing awareness about safe homes as a safe and legal mechanism to stop violence.

What cultural and social factors prevent women from seeking refuge in safe houses?

Lack of awareness about safe houses is one of the most common forms of restricting women’s access to safe houses. We have often heard from numerous individuals – some of whom have even advocated for women’s support – that safe houses are “ineffective” or “useless”, while in reality, each woman residing in a safe house is a survivor of a crime and will be protected from further harm.

Lack of sufficient knowledge about the function of safe houses and their security can also be another reason for not seeking help.

What do you know about the main problems or issues that safe houses in Iran face?

Ensuring financial resources and having a suitable location are among the main challenges of non-governmental safe houses. It is also very difficult to retain skilled and experienced staff, as their mental strength may deteriorate over time.

If you have any explanation about your activity and Mehrshams, please add it.

Mehrshams Afarid is a ray of hope for thousands of women, children, and families to find a fair and effective solution to stop violence and resolve conflicts before a serious crisis occurs. Mehrshams Afarid is a ray of hope for educating girls who have been left out of school and a ray of hope to prevent self-immolation in the region.

Each of us was created in the month of Mehrshams with hope for improving the situation and stopping violence without any fatigue, and we continue on this difficult path without any hesitation.

Thank you for the opportunity you have provided us with to use the peace line.

Created By: Azar Taherabad
April 21, 2022

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