Ambit of WAR's work:

Legal Aid:

WAR is the only NPO in Karachi that provides specialized free legal aid and support to survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Nearly 30 per cent of the survivors are children, some as young as 4 years. During the financial year 01 July 2006 to 30 June 2007 , WAR plans to take on 20 new cases of rape and 5 of domestic violence. This will be in addition to 53 on-going cases of rape, which are still seeking justice in court. Rape cases usually take 3 to 4 years before a verdict is reached, while judgment in domestic violence cases is reached in 1 to 2 years.

Counseling:

WAR provides crisis intervention and counseling to survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. WAR has developed a counseling system, which is implemented through the First Contact Committee, whereby an effective out-reach support service has been made possible by home visits. Strong coordination between the Counseling and Legal Committees ensures that a psychologist is available for crisis intervention in all initial visits. Besides this, WAR also provides long-term counseling and support, which is offered by WAR's psychotherapist. When required, emergency medical intervention is also provided to survivors.

As of June 2006, WAR is started the "Peer Counseling Training" project under which six rape survivors were selected for a counseling training program for providing emotional support to other survivors. Those who successfully finish this program will be offered part employment with WAR.

Awareness-raising:

WAR's awareness raising activities broadly focus on the psychological and social ramifications of the denial of women's rights with an emphasis on domestic violence and sexual abuse. WAR publishes awareness raising literature and its semi-annual Newsletter as part of its effort to raise awareness. It networks with the police (including the women police), Medico-Legal Officers, NGO's, NPO's and CBO's by offering training and sensitization workshops for these groups. Chapters of Young Friends of WAR (YFW) have been established at various schools and colleges and committed groups of teenagers help in various programs and activities of WAR. An annual thematic play highlights issues of women rights and is presented both for awareness and raising funds.

For more information regarding joining the YFW program, please see the related link.