Our Support Team
In 2021, Sisterhood Initiative launched our Support Team for Muslim women who needed legal counsel and psychosocial support. Since then, we have taken over a hundred cases, covering every aspect of personal family laws for Muslim women in Sri Lanka, with no cost whatsoever. We also handle cases of reporting online violence and harassment by safely referring them for removal off social media platforms.
While the Support Team has mostly operated online, we are now handling cases in a physical space, meeting women in a safe and discreet environment to ensure they receive the best support they can. In person meetings will take place depending on our availability. Please scroll below for more details on how you can book an appointment.
Our Hotline
Reach out through our hotline at 074 410 61 76 to book an appointment or talk to us in case of an emergency!
Our Working Hours
We're available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can also meet us through a physical consultation on Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.
From Our Community
In Sri Lanka, where resources for women facing these challenges are so limited and societal biases often favor men, this initiative stands out as a beacon of hope… Sisterhood Initiative is a refreshing and much-needed change.
What type of issues can we help with?
- Legal issues related to the MMDA
- Basic information on women's legal rights under the MMDA
- Marriage Registration
- Divorce Procedure
- Child Custody
- Child Maintenance
- Property Settlement
Psychosocial Support
We provide individual counselling, creating safe spaces for women to feel heard and empowered. We use a trauma informed approach, especially in instances of domestic abuse and divorce trauma.
Upon request, Sisterhood Initiative also has the ability to refer individuals to other mental health services and providers, by reaching out to our extensive network of practitioners across Sri Lanka.
How Do I Reach Out To The Support Team?
Sisterhood Initiative's Support Team offers free consultations, three days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM (Sri Lankan time). Our services are open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can reach out to us through our Hotline or social media.
HOTLINE
- STEP ONE: Contact our Hotline at 077 441 061 76. Please drop a call or text through Local services or Whatsapp.
- STEP TWO: Our hotline operator will reach out and coordinate with you to schedule a call. The call will take place at a time convenient to your schedule and the Support Team members.
- STEP THREE: The team will provide follow up calls to assess your situation and provide any more support and information.
SOCIAL MEDIA
- STEP ONE: You can reach out to us through our social media on Instagram, Facebook and X.
- STEP TWO: A member of the Communications team will reach out to you to get relevant information regarding your situation. We will then refer you to our Support Team.
- STEP THREE: The team will provide follow up calls to assess your situation and provide any more support and information.
PHYSICAL CONSULTATIONS
- Typical work hours are Saturdays between 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM.
- Can be scheduled according to request and availability.
- Location will be shared privately through consultation.
Please note that none of our services require a consultation fee and are completely free.
Immediate Assistance
In case of an emergency, you can reach out through our Hotline and get in contact with our Support Team. The team will provide service accordingly.
We provide: First point of contact to emergency services, and provide contact details for respective organizations that provide shelter and long term care to survivors.
Disclaimer: Sisterhood Initiative does not have the capacity to represent you in court right now. Our lawyers will provide legal consultations and assistance in documentation and procedures. If you do require representation, please make it known to our operators. The team will direct you towards the appropriate personnel and organization.
All information shared with the Operators, Communicators and the Support Team will be completely confidential. Details will only be used by the relevant members providing support
Frequently Asked Questions
What are our available services?
We can help with:
- Legal issues related to the MMDA
- Basic information on women’s legal rights under the MMDA
- Marriage Registration & Divorce Procedure
- Child Custody & Child Maintenance
Psychosocial Support:
- We provide individual counselling, creating safe spaces for women to feel heard and empowered.
- We use a trauma-informed approach, especially in instances of domestic abuse and divorce trauma.
- We also handle cases of reporting online violence and harassment by safely referring them for removal off social media platforms.
Is it cost friendly / fee for the consultation?
All services provided by our Support Team are completely free.
Can I get both support at the same time? What languages are available?
Yes, you can reach out to our in-house Lawyer and counselor to get psycho-social and legal support at the same time. We provide consultations in English, Tamil, and Sinhala.
Why do people seek psychosocial support?
Mental health support is important for women impacted by the MMDA and often goes overlooked. The severity of these instances can take a severe toll on a woman’s mental health but is often unrecognized and dismissed. We have noticed a rise and need in individuals needing psycho-social support in recent times. There are many reasons why one can reach out for support:
- Emotional distress due to divorce and separation.
- Trauma from domestic violence/ abuse.
- Social stigma and family pressure.
- Fear and uncertainty about legal outcomes.
- Loss of identity/self-esteem.
- Coping with grief and loss, especially with children.
- Dealing with family and relationship conflicts.