Today, the small volunteer agency has a huge presence in Atlanta's South Asian community. It's free services are supported by 30 regular volunteers and numerous supporters. Raksha's programs encompass domestic violence, youth education and mentoring, community education and peer support. But the bulk of calls are from domestic violence victims. The organization also assists police departments, emergency rooms, battered women shelters and domestic violence agencies.
Domestic violence occurs in one out of five South Asian families, experts estimate.
Women are generally reluctant to seek help due to language barriers, lack of familiarity with the social services system, cultural expectations of women's roles and the shame associated with airing of dirty laundry. Raksha shows women that they are not alone and have other options. But perhaps, the most challenging part of their work lies in community education and fundraising. While working with the city agencies, I used to watch a lot of South Asians, immigrants and refugees struggle with the system. I love working with people.