Dastak was established in 1996 with a mission to promote and protect the rights of women and children and to undertake activities for creation of mechanisms, practices and processes for their protection from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. Today it operates as an access to justice centre for women, girls and children and is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Two of its largest programs include provision of legal aid and emergency shelter to women, girls and children in situations of crisis. Dastak also carries out outreach and awareness activities and designs and delivers customised trainings for practitioners in the field of women and child protection, which not only focus on relevant laws and policies but also on promoting specific competencies that are indispensable to effectively respond to survivors/victims of violence. Dastak strongly believes in collaboration and sharing its knowledge and expertise gained over thirty years of hands-on experience working on a diverse range of human rights issues. Dastak is a center for access to justice for women, girls, children, and all individuals whose rights are violated on the basis of gender. Guided by its mission to ensure safety and justice, Dastak provides comprehensive protection and support services in situations of crisis. These include emergency shelter for women and girls, legal aid, and other critical interventions to ensure their protection and rehabilitation. In addition to direct services, Dastak engages in advocacy and training to strengthen systems, practices, and procedures for the prevention of violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. The institution has pioneered and championed the concept of providing Protection with Dignity©️, applying it across all its policies and activities.