For many years, Malika (name changed) lived in a home where hurtful words, pressure, financial dependence, and fear had slowly become a “normal” part of life. She didn’t always see herself as a victim. Like many women, she tried to keep the peace, explain things away, and hoped that tomorrow would be different.

But days turned into years as she kept taking care of her children, paying for their education, keeping the house the same way as before, and nothing changed — except that something has shifted inside her. She grew tired of sleeping with her door locked in her own home, constantly thinking about how to protect herself and her children.

She realized that she deserved safety. She deserved respect. She deserved peace.

Malika quietly prepared herself and finally moved out to protect her well-being. Her decision broke the cycle — but it also made her husband lose the control he had relied on for years. When their 19-year-old son, who had chosen to stay in their old house for a short time, also became a target of threats, Malika knew things had gone too far.

One afternoon, when she came to pick up her son, her husband completely lost control. His voice shook, his behavior was unpredictable, and he spat out threats without hesitation. His relatives were there as witnesses but did nothing to intervene.

For the first time in her life, Malika didn’t feel fear — she felt clarity.

It was time for action. It was time to choose herself and her son.

Despite being educated and well-informed, she suddenly realized she did not know where to go for help at such a moment. She tried reaching the police, but the office was restricted for visitors. A friend then advised her to go to her mahalla and ask how to obtain a protection order. Malika felt nervous — she had never asked anyone for help before. But she took the first step.

At the mahalla, she met a trained social worker — a calm, professional woman who listened without judgment, exactly what someone in crisis needs. She explained to Malika that there is a new digital platform, which can help request a protective order directly from the mahalla office. The system was developed by the National Agency for Social Protection with support from UNDP for exactly this reason - to move help closer to people who need it. This meant Malika could have her case started right there, in a quiet room, without being sent from office to office. That alone was reassuring — and the staff’s professionalism made her feel safe.

Together, they entered everything into the platform.

It took minutes — not days. There were a few small delays while locating the community police officer responsible for issuing the order, but the team showed excellent problem-solving. Overall, from entry to issuance, it took around 40 minutes. The case was registered as economic violence, which impressed Malika, as years ago she had only heard victim-blaming in response to such claims.

The case was registered immediately, and a protective order was issued.

After the service, Malika was asked to complete a short questionnaire — something she found surprisingly helpful. It allowed her to reflect on what she had endured and clearly understand what support she might still need.

She also learned that she was entitled to free psychological and legal services. She accepted the offer, attended both, and found them incredibly helpful. For the first time, she felt like she had a team behind her — people who believed her, guided her, and helped to rebuild her confidence. Being able to speak freely without being dismissed was so reassuring.

But most importantly, along with the restraining order, she received something else — a renewed sense of self-confidence. And the people who helped her had a lot to do with that.

For the first time in years, she felt like the owner of her own life. The restraining order wasn’t just a legal document; it was a reminder that:

• she is not alone,

• help is nearby (if only all women knew where to turn),

• and she has every right to live without fear.

Walking out of the mahalla that day, Malika felt lighter.

She wasn’t just surviving anymore.

She was leading her life.

Simple solutions and quick help can change lives.