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Sharjah: Indian group launches domestic abuse counselling services after expats die
The services are being launched after the deaths of two Indian women in Sharjah, highlighting the need for early intervention in family disputes and abuse
In a move to support expats facing family disputes, the Indian Association Sharjah (IAS) is launching weekly confidential counselling sessions starting the first week of August.
The services will be provided every Saturday at the IAS premises and counselling will be strictly one-on-one and fully confidential, said Nizar Thalangara, president of the Indian Association Sharjah, in an interview with Khaleej Times.
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The launch of the sessions comes after the recent deaths of two Indian women in Sharjah, highlighting the need for early intervention in family disputes and abuse.
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“There are people to listen to you. You can come to us,” said Thalangra. "This meeting is going to create awareness about domestic problems and how to seek help. The sessions will be coordinated with the Indian Consulate and different departments of Sharjah."
Thalangara said counselors from the two schools managed by the IAS have been selected to be part of the panel. “We have more than 25 counsellors, and we have selected some for this task. Former members of the association will also assist,” he added.
How it works
Affected individuals can register by getting in touch with any of the IAS members or the reception desk. They will then be informed of the session timing. Each case will be handled individually in a private setting at a dedicated space in the association office.
“People might be going through situations that involve personal and legal matters. For example, in cases where a husband refuses to issue a passport for a child, or doesn't renew documents because of disagreement or internal dispute, we will refer them to the Indian Consulate,” said Thalangara.
Other issues, such as job-related disputes, domestic violence, and child custody matters, will be directed to the relevant authorities. “We will also have a legal department that can offer advice when needed,” he added.
Police coordination
The move follows a recent meeting held at the IAS office in Sharjah, where association leaders met with officials from Sharjah Police’s Community Preventive and Protection Department. The police delegation included Major Nazeer Bin Ahamed, Captain Ghanima Essa, and Inspector Awad Mohammed, according to the members of IAS.
According to IAS, the police expressed their full support for the initiative and offered assistance through counselling, legal guidance, and follow-ups.
Thalangra said that the sessions will be held every Saturday, with morning and evening time slots, and are open to all Indian community members in need of help.
“Sometimes, people don’t know whom to approach. This is to give them a space to talk, get support and resolve things before they escalate,” said Thalangara.
SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
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