We are Striving to End Gender-Based Violence in India

Written by Kayla Laughton

Domestic violence has risen during the pandemic, and Sambhali Trust has responded, expanding its Nirbhaya Project to provide increased psychological and legal counseling for survivors of gender-based violence and outreach services to vulnerable women and girls in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The Nirbhaya Project began as the Nirbhaya HelpLine, a toll-free number that provides easy access to counselors and services to help survivors find solutions for their situations. As a result of the increase in gender-based violence cases, Sambhali Trust has upgraded the Nirbhaya HelpLine to the Sambhali Nirbhaya Project

The expanded Nirbhaya Project goes beyond supporting survivors to reach out to the women of Jodhpur through an educational and outreach campaign. In its first months, the project provided workshops on domestic violence and mental health to women through its empowerment centers and reached girls in the Sambhali Trust boarding homes with workshops on related life skills. The project also plans to reach out to children with age-appropriate workshops using flashcards when pandemic conditions permit. Women who have attended these workshops and classes feel that they have a better understanding of their rights. They know what domestic violence is -- and now know that they deserve to be happy.

Staff and volunteers in the Nirbhaya Project are active in the community and distribute pamphlets to women informing them of their legal rights and the services Sambhali Trust offers. The project also reaches out through social and conventional media.

Sambhali Trust uses a holistic approach to support women and their families. The Nirbhaya Project provides a judgment-free zone where women feel supported and can rebuild their lives. 

Sambhali U.S. fully funds the Nirbhaya Project; if you can, please consider donating to keep this service reaching women in great need.