Sabita agrees. On a recent afternoon, she walked into the crisis centre in Ghorahi during a burst of monsoon rain and sat in a corner, watching the staff shuffle papers.

Three years ago, she reported abuse here. Now she stops by for follow-up counselling. She has moved back in with her husband, but says the abuse stopped shortly after the crisis centre staff helped organise his treatment for depression. She regularly refers other women to the crisis centre.

“They treat us better than our mothers and fathers,” she says.

If you have experienced gender-based violence or know someone who you believe has, you can consult the UN Women’s Global Database on Violence Against Women to find a support hotline in your country.

Those who have experienced or witnessed gender-based violence in Nepal can call 1145, a 24-hour toll free helpline run by the National Women Commission that offers psyco-social support, legal aid, and shelter information.

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