Although Pakistan’s Parliament has laws to protect women, they have been largely ineffective in stopping domestic abuse. Almost 5,000 cases of violence against women were registered by police in 2010. And, according to aid agencies, more than two-thirds of Pakistani women are abused in some way by family members. The “Madadgaar Helpline” was recently created to help women who have suffered from domestic violence.
This Helpline, the first of its kind in Pakistan, offers counseling and advice. It also refers women to doctors, lawyers, police, hospitals, or shelters.