Addressing Domestic Violence
According to a National Family and Health Survey in India in 2005, the rate of domestic violence was just over 30%.
Various studies have indicated that this rate RISES with immigration to the US, to an estimated 40%, possibly due to an increase in social isolation among immigrants.
In this past year, we have served over 300 victims of violence and abuse. There are also many out there who are afraid to reach out, or don’t know who to call.
SEWA has been building a foundation of change for women since 2004 when our work was neither accepted nor validated by the community. Our persistence and dedication have been instrumental, allowing SEWA to be an important organization it is today for the community.
As a note, women can and do abuse, but statistics have shown that men abuse more than women in heterosexual relationships. That is the reason why the language in throughout our page is gender-specific to women. Additionally, domestic violence can happen in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships and marriages. Please don’t hesitate to contact us regardless of your gender identity.
Invalidating Myths of Menstruation
At SEWA we have a goal to empower women to be healthy and active. Even living in the US, many educated South Asians of any gender still hold on to age old beliefs regarding menstruation which can often guide their decisions and activities.
Talking to South Asian women about menstruation and associated hygiene/health issues in a safe and supportive manner helps us dispel myths about a traditionally unspoken or taboo topic.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota Foundation
SEWA-AIFW has recently received a generous grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota Foundation (BCBS) to support our continuous efforts in changing community perceptions and norms where it applies to domestic violence and victims of abuse. The challenges are that traditional cultural practices and behaviors, for both men and women, will need to change in order to eliminate the conditions that support violence and abuse. Through this new BCBS grant we will focus on providing training and learning opportunities with community partners so we can together address the issues and challenges we face with domestic violence and abuse.
We believe that in order to build a violence free society, we must engage all members of our community to take responsibility in condemning domestic violence.
We provide women with information about their options and rights. SEWA-AIFW advocates and staff never tell a woman what to do; rather, we give women information about their rights and possible courses of action and help her become empowered to make her own decisions
SEWA-AIFW Volunteers available 24 Hours a day to answer your calls on the CRISIS HOTLINE (952) 912-9100 or EMAIL US anytime
Economic Empowerment Program
SEWA-AIFW Economic Empowerment Program will provide courses, resources, referrals and grants that work to empower survivors of domestic violence in earning their own living and pursuing careers. Over time, as greater numbers of women are breaking the silence around their abuse and seeking ways to empower themselves. SEWA-AIFW has received more and more request from survivors for assistance in learning the skills needed to gain personal freedom and financial independence.
We are looking toward setting up a fund. This fund will provide scholarships to buy sewing machines, teach English classes, and computer classes that encourage survivors throughout their healing process.
SEWA-AIFW works to actively include survivors of abuse in all of our community awareness activities. We believe that battered women must be given the opportunity to speak out and share their experiences and to help build a society that does not shame and blame survivors.