Domestic Violence
October 2016-2019
Ongoing Support and Funding for Lighthouse Shelter - Etchmiadzin, Armenia
In October 2016, AHABA visited “Lighthouse”, a shelter for battered women and children situated in an undisclosed location in Etchmiadzin run by the Armenian Lighthouse Charitable Foundation (ALCF). AHABA physician volunteers performed general medicine and gynecological exams and consultations for women and the center as well as for the elderly population from neighboring villages. Dr. Sagayan and Dr. Ohanyan held a workshop on female reproductive health for the women living at the shelter. Having observed the need for basic medical supplies, a donation of a wide range of medications was made on behalf of AHABA to support the work of onsite ambulatory care. Since 2016 AHABA has continued to provide medications for women and children, noir citizens, and Syrian-Armenian community members who receive support at the shelter.
2018
Coalition Against Domestic Violence Grant
AHABA’s grant to Coalition covered comprehensive quality healthcare for three women who have been subjected to gender based violence. Human rights foundations and donor circles do not finance healthcare associated service costs while, in fact, this is a key barrier for women GBV survivors, to their recovery, well-being and empowerment.
The first woman was a transgender sex worker who was beaten up and whose apartment was burned down by a transphobic client who intended to kill her. She escaped the place and stayed alive by chance. Half of her operation and healthcare costs were covered by the state while the other half was covered by the Coalition.
The second survivor was a woman from a rural area who was being periodically subjected to violence by her ex-husband. Years of violence have led to deterioration of her health. Soon after the last time when the ex-husband had beaten her, she needed an operation the cost of which was partially covered by the Coalition.
The third survivor was a woman who was being subjected to violence by her father-in-law who used to beat and mistreat her for many years after the death of her husband. Being extremely poor, she did not have any choice but to stay with her father-in-law until the violence became intolerable. Through the AHABA funds the Coalition helped her to cover consultation, diagnosis and treatment that were not in the list of free, state-provided services.