Thursday, March 14, 2013

Traumatised woman back on her feet through Socso's special programme


SHAH ALAM: Brutally abused by her husband and jobless for more than five years, mother of two Gomathy (not her real name) had completely hit rock bottom.
She had developed epileptic seizures, causing her to lose her job, after being pushed down the staircase by her abusive, alcoholic husband eight years ago.

Today, although she still struggles with the memories and sometimes needs sleeping pills just to get a good night's sleep, she finally sees hope for a better future for her children.
Gomathy is now working as a production operator at a factory here for over almost a year after being employed through the Social Security Organisation's (Socso) Return to Work programme.
The programme, initiated in 2007, is designed not only to help injured and disabled persons find employment but also provides physical rehabilitation, motivation and skills training.
To date, Socso has rehabilitated and found employment for 6,439 people through the programme.
Gomathy now has her seizures under control with medication.
“I can now provide for my children without depending on my brother and ageing mother,” she said, adding that her seizure attacks were also less frequent as she was under less stress.
She had lost her earlier job at a factory because she had fits at work.
The 32-year-old said she had left her husband and for five years struggled to find another job but nobody would employ her due to her health condition.
Gomathy recalled the times when her abusive husband hit her even when she was pregnant with their second child, and would also mercilessly beat their then two-year-old daughter.
“I knew I had to leave for the sake of my children.
“I then went into severe depression and would have seizures very often due to stress,” she said.
Her children live with her and her mother.
“I am thankful that I am able to take care of myself and my children,” she said.

No comments:

Post a Comment