Reshmi was found by Leah and Usha 6 years ago lying on the roadside. She was traumatised and unable to communicated or respond. Taken into our care Reshmi began a journey towards improved health and a better life.
We learnt that her husband was an extremely violent man who had often beaten Reshmi, sometimes until she blacked out. His violence increased following the birth of their daughter; he was disappointed that she didn’t provide him with a son.
Reshmi is from Raipur, a city 200 miles away from Nagpur. Following a decline in her mental health her brother admitted her into Nagpur’s mental hospital. After treatment she was discharged, but with nowhere to go and with no further contact from her family, she ended up living on the streets and there she remained until we found her. She has no recollection of how long that period of time was.
Reshmi didn’t want to return to her husband but was desperate to be reunited with her daughter, who was just 6 years old when she last saw her. Unfortunately, each time the charity attempted to trace Reshmi’s family, discussing her traumatic past triggered a relapse in her mental health.
During the course of living in the charity’s care, Reshmi flourished into a hardworking and popular member of our shelter. She earned her own money and gained more confidence with each passing year.
In November this year Usha traced Reshmi’s daughter and both women enjoyed an emotional reunion by telephone.
In the 1st week of December Reshmi’s son in law travelled to Nagpur to meet his mother in law and to take her back home.
We are always concerned that when a woman leaves the charity’s care, she is accepted without prejudice back into the family. Counselling gives the family a better understanding of mental health issues, which helps with repatriation. On this occasion we were relieved to find that Reshmi’s son in law was an educated man, a teacher, who already had a good understanding of mental health. We also learnt that after marrying Reshmi’s daughter, he encouraged his wife to continue her education enabling her to gain an MA. This sensitive and enlightened man would be a perfect support to his mother in law.
Reshmi left us with a smile and hope for a new and better future. The next day her daughter phoned to thank the charity for returning her mother and sent a photograph of Reshmi with the family. We wish them continued happiness for the future and will remain in touch in case of need.
BELOW – RESHMI AFTER WE DISCOVERED HER LYING ON THE ROADSIDE
BELOW – RESHMI BEING COUNSELLED BY USHA BEFORE HER DEPARTURE FROM THE CHARITY’S CARE AFTER 6 YEARS
BELOW – RESHMI STARTING A NEW LIFE WITH HER DAUGHTER AND GRANDDAUGHTER
