November 2021 Family Court Awareness Month The legal system can be daunting, as it is, for survivors of domestic violence to navigate on their own. In honor of Family Court Awareness Month we’d hope to shed light on the challenges that immigrant and refugee survivors face as they navigate the family court system. The family […]
POWER HOURS: To donate to Raksha on GAGives for Giving Tuesday!
HELP POWER UP YOUR DONATIONS ON Giving Tuesday! Donate on GAGives.org/story/raksha2021 during power hours to help us to be picked for prizes: Raksha is registered for the following prizes on GAGives 2021: Carr, Riggs & Ingram Leaderboard (Previously titled “General Leaderboard”) WestRock Early Giving, Leaderboard, and Power Hours Aprio Passionate for What’s Next Power Hours […]
Understanding Coercive Control As a form of Abuse
Aisha Choudhry, MSW, LMSW Therapist, Raksha IncOn day 6 of #Raksha31daysofDVAM, we discuss control as a form of abuse. Some facts:It IS considered domestic violence even when physical violence is not present but there are controlling behaviors.Having to report to your partner when and where you are going every time, it IS a sign of […]
Statement | Ways to Help Refugees | Resources
Raksha Statement on Afghanistan & Global Humanitarian Crises (August 2021)As an organization that serves immigrant and refugee survivors of abuse and violence for 26 years, Raksha is watching the situation in Afghanistan with deep sadness. Our hearts go out to individuals, who are fleeing from political upheaval and violence and those who remain behind facing serious […]
The Paradox of Financial independence and Domestic Powerlessness
By Pratibha Salwan There are many malignant manifestations of inequality that exist within our society that permeate through our interpersonal relationships and manifest in different forms of abuse – seen or unseen. Domestic abuse is the scourge of our society where survivors find themselves vulnerable and voiceless. There is however another form of abuse that […]
Nine yards of Art: Repurposing saris to art
Wrapping up March – Women’s History Month, with a little pondering on the Saree/ Sari (n.; pronounced as saa-ree). For most South Asians, who grew up in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal or Srilanka (Ceylon), the saree or different versions of it are symbols of femininity, beauty and elegance and tradition. To some, however, a saree […]
Raksha Statement on the Shootings in Atlanta and Racialized Misogyny Targeted at AAPI Communities
Raksha sends love, light and healing to our community as we grieve the lives attacked and lost as a result of hate and gender based crimes nationally and locally targeted toward AAPI Communities.
In our home state of Georgia, Raksha stands in solidarity with the victims, witnesses, families and community impacted by the shootings at Asian-owned businesses on March 16, 2021 which resulted in the deaths of 8 people of which 6 were Asian American women.
We are deeply anguished by the intersectionality of gender-based violence, racism and prejudice that manifests itself through this crime. Our experience working with gender based violence for over 25 years tells us that perpetrators often use many excuses to justify their targeted violence. Structural racism and racialized misogyny breed a sense of privilege that justifies these acts of violence towards marginalized groups, minorities and women.
Honoring the pain, loss and grief inflicted by these shameful tragedies, we resolve to continue working in solidarity with our beloved community members and organizations with support and services to ensure healing, empowerment and justice for the victims impacted and communities we are a part of.
We are grateful for our community allies that are checking in, standing up and showing up for AAPI communities.
Raksha, Inc.
Event Summary & Resources: Raksha Conversation on South Asian & Black Allyship (February 26, 2021)
Talking about Teen Dating Violence: Event Summary & Resources
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that the state of Georgia ranks third highest in the nation for the percentage of teens experiencing physical violence in a dating relationship? Shockingly, 50% of fatalities resulting from intimate partner violence in Georgia happened in relationships that began when the victim was between 13-24. […]
Heart Truth: Heart Health and Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse
February 5, 2021 February, more popularly known as the month of love is also the American Heart Month. Today on the International Wear Red Day , here’s looking at heart health in the context of survivors of abuse and violence. It would be easy to guess that increased stress levels from experiences of and reactions […]