Data reveals that the rate of domestic violence has not fallen. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, “Over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.”
Here is information about initiatives to counter domestic violence and ways to navigate the complex journey out of trauma.
Important Resources
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Bay Area
Narika
Free, confidential, non-profit South Asian domestic violence advocacy and support organization based in Fremont, CA that promote women’s independence, economic empowerment, and well-being
Phone: 510-444-6068;Narika: 1-800-215-7308 Email: narika@@narika.org Website: www.narika.org
Maitri: 1-888-8624874
Free, confidential, non-profit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that helps families and individuals from South Asia facing domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, or family conflict.
Manavi – direct service provider, social change agent and diversity trainer in the mainstream movement to end violence against South Asian women in New Brunswick, NJ.
Indians for Collective Action (ICA) Email: info@icaonline.org Website: www.icaonline.org
SD Nari: 24-Hour Hotline
(619)-800-8554
Raksha: 1-866-56-ABUSE
NISA (North American Islamic Shelter for the Abused),
SAVE (Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments)
Provides shelter, support, and educational opportunities for individuals and families to survivors of DV in Alameda County, CA.
Children and Youth at Futures without Violence
Sanctuary for Families
Offers free services for freedom from gender violence for all survivors living in New York City, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, and marital or immigration status.
Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation(TMWF) – empowers, promotes and supports all women and their families with programs designed to promote peace in the home and the community through a comprehensive strategy of prevention and intervention.
Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach (API Legal Outreach) – is a non-profit in the SF Bay Area that provides culturally competent and linguistically appropriate legal representation, social services, and advocacy for the most marginalized segments of the community including low-income women, seniors, recent immigrants, and youth.
New York City Anti-Violence Project – empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.
For Survivors who are Immigrants
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self Petition for a victim of DV is married to a US citizen or permanent resident
Battered Spouse Waiver for a victim of DV is married to a US citizen or permanent resident
Women deserted by NRI husbands has advice on background checks, women’s rights, and a contact
In India, the NRI Cell at the National Commission for Women – survivors from anywhere in the world can register complaints.
A UVisa – is given to non-citizens who are victims of certain crimes and who have suffered mental or physical abuse due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking. It grants applicants work authorization for 4 years and with 3 years of having that authorization, they can apply for residency.
Additional Resources
The High Conflict Divorce Coach Certification Program helps survivors understand Family Court and the importance of strategy
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) – provides high-quality, affordable immigration legal services, education, and civic engagement opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and their families.
Asian Law Alliance – a non-profit organization providing equal access to the justice system for Asian Pacific Islander and low-income populations in the Silicon Valley.
Additional Information
The Phoenix Act extends the statute of limitations for victims of domestic violence from 3 to 5 years. Victims, many suffering from PTSD now have more time to come forward and seek justice or get help.
The HELP Act provides resources to survivors experiencing homelessness.
SB 616, Piqui’s Law mandates judges take training on domestic violence and child abuse to prioritize child safety in custody proceedings
SB 1141 changed the definition of domestic violence to include coercive control