Raksha’s programs and services are designed to be holistic and support domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their families. We provide culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services including advocacy, counseling, crisis management, resources/referrals, safety planning, interpretation/translation, economic empowerment and support groups. In addition to these services, we initiate a variety of community and outreach activities.
Language Assistance:
Raksha provides assistance to clients with limited English proficiency. Our staff can speak the following South Asian languages: Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada,Tulu and Konkani. Translation and interpretation services will be used for all other languages.
Please click on the Select Languages button (bottom left of any page) to read this website content translated in your language.
Direct Services
Case Management involves assessing needs, coordinating services, and assisting survivors in accessing resources to achieve safety and stability.
Individual and family counseling with adults and children allows clients an opportunity to begin to explore issues of self-esteem, boundaries, healing, etc. as related to the abuse.
Information and referral provides clients with much needed resources that they otherwise would not know how to obtain. Raksha provides referrals to a network of shelters, legal clinics, medical services, social services and social networking organizations.
Legal and general victim advocacy provides clients the necessary backing to begin to find legal recourse for their situations. Raksha’s staff and trained volunteers provide assistance in finding affordable legal counsel and/or accessing community-based legal programs.
Interpretation and translation services help clients to better understand and negotiate the many systems they may have to interact. Raksha staff also provides interpretation and technical support to mainstream agencies and shelters that serve South Asians.
Advocacy forms the backbone of interventions at Raksha to support survivors of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault.
Advocates provide confidential services to survivors by helping them navigate different systems and strategize for their safety and well being. Advocates typically address a range of issues that survivors must negotiate including legal issues, housing, physical and mental health needs, financial support, children’s issues, etc. Raksha advocates provide non-judgemental support to survivors to ensure that they are heard and understood.
Below are some of the many ways in which our advocates support clients:
- Thorough assessment of client situation and needs.
- Language and specific support services.
- Referrals to housing, legal, medical, shelters and food banks.
- Referrals to other social service organizations/agencies.
- Referrals to ESL (English as Second Language) classes, vocational training and certification classes.
- Assistance applying for public benefits, victims compensation, unemployment benefits.
- Ongoing emotional support.
- Safety planning (more information coming soon)
Raksha serves both children and adult victims and survivors of crime, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. We are proud of our Counseling Team who provide competent and ethical services to our clients by prioritizing their needs.
At Raksha, we believe that economic empowerment is essential for all survivors — whether they are preparing to leave an abusive situation or rebuilding their lives after trauma. Our goal is to connect clients with the resources and opportunities they need to achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence.