They established International Foundation for Crime Prevention and Victim Care (PCVC) in the year 2001.
I met Prasanna, the woman who is responsible for the active functioning of PCVC and she briefed me on their activities from its inception. PCVC was founded as a center for people to be educated on their victim rights. At the end of one year, they realized that they were approached by a number of women who were victims of physical and emotional abuse by their spouses. With the need to equip themselves in offering professional and long standing help, they underwent training from similar organizations abroad on the subject and started intervention programs for these people.
The victims are counseled and encouraged to discuss options and come up with their own ideas to straighten their lives. They are given the freedom to act at their own pace and the only insistence is to stop accepting physical and emotional abuse. They are approached by women from all classes of the society and a few men also for help.
PCVC has a 24-hour helpline that is accessible to all and Prasanna explained that their strength was crisis counseling to help those people who approached them to be much stronger. They are educated on the importance of healthy relationships and issues are resolved in a positive manner and guidance is given on safety plans. They offer legal support wherever it is needed and try to structure lives of victims to the maximum extent possible. PCVC operates out of funds given by individuals and corporate houses. Donations and services of all kinds are accepted from volunteers.
PCVC is also tied with organizations working for similar causes abroad to help Non-Resident Indians to safely return to their homeland and start life afresh after facing harassment in domestic lives.
PCVC has a number of ongoing projects. One among them is their collaboration with the Anna Nagar all women police station where they help in handling the cases that are registered and provide shelter and support for the needy. They have tied up with one of the ‘Burn injuries ward’ in Kilpauk Medical College Hospital and offer physical, psychological and monetary help to the burnt victims.
It was a very touching moment when I spoke to one of the women who is badly scarred by acid on her face. Her voice conveyed conviction as she said “We cannot afford to break down in the time of crisis, instead we need to break away and protect ourselves from violence. I have gathered strength from my experiences and I have resolved to put my life back on track and make my life worthwhile and meaningful.”
Helping more than 300 people every year, PCVC is a back bone for those who are undergoing silent suffering and trauma in their lives. By their actions, this organization is definitely building confidence in the lives of individuals and in the process also impacting positive changes in the society.
Helpline number 4311 1143
Email pcvc2000@yahoo.com
Website www.pcvconline.org
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