Hyderabad, March 25, 2024 – Invisible Scars Foundation (ISF) successfully organized the first edition of the Telangana Domestic Violence Stakeholders Summit on Saturday at IIIT Hyderabad. This pioneering event brought together professionals, experts and key stakeholders to address the critical issue of domestic violence and abuse in the state.

The full-day summit featured thought-provoking panel discussions that provided a platform for diverse perspectives and engaged discourse on the multifaceted challenges surrounding domestic abuse on the topics of “Setting up DV crisis centres within hospitals in Telangana” and “Increased Involvement of Corporate Social Responsibility in Gender Based Violence Issues”.

A moderated Round Table with domestic violence and abuse experts also facilitated in-depth deliberations and collaborative problem-solving on the issue of rehabilitation of abuse survivors through shelter and skilling, focussing on the unique experiences of the stakeholders.

“Too often, survivors of domestic violence are met with inaction or lack of support resources, as well as apathy from those with the money to make real change,” said Ekta Viiveck Verma, Founder of Invisible Scars Foundation. “This summit was about breaking that silence and igniting constructive dialogues to drive real change. The insights gathered will undoubtedly pave the way for more informed policies and effective strategies.”

The outcomes and key recommendations from the expert consultations were meticulously documented in a comprehensive white paper to be submitted to the Telangana Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Employees from One Stop/Sakhi Centres, Women Safety Wing and other not-for-profit frontline organizations within Hyderabad and districts across Telangana, legal experts, mental health experts, members of the queer community, CSR and corporate professionals participated, providing invaluable inputs from their experiences supporting survivors. The Chief Guest gracing the event was Shikha Goel IPS, Additional Director General of Police and head of the Women Safety Wing of Telangana State Police while the Guest of Honour was Vanitha Datla, Vice Chairman & Managing Director at Elico Ltd. and Managing Director at Elico Healthcare Services Pvt Ltd