We provide Direct Support Services to women facing violence and work to create an environment where VAW is unacceptable. Swayam envisions a non-discriminatory, violence-free and gender-equal society where all human beings enjoy equitable rights and opportunities irrespective of their s*x, gender, s*xual orientation, age, class, caste, ethnicity, religion, nationality, language, and mental/physical
abilities. Swayam works at both at the curative and the preventive levels. On the one hand we facilitate the empowerment of women survivors of violence and enable them to become self-confident, self-sufficient and self-reliant. On the other, we generate discussion, debate and action in society, to challenge and change societal norms and values that deem violence against women acceptable as well as break the silence that shrouds the violence. Swayam’s holistic approach includes comprehensive Direct Support Services for women facing violence including counselling, psychotherapy, police follow up, legal advice, legal aid, career counselling, vocational training, referrals for shelter and employment, a drop-in-centre, child support and numerous group activities to promote women’s creativity and positive mental health. Our Initiatives for Social Action and Change Programme includes public education and awareness building; producing creative resources; disseminating information and sharing expertise; networking with like-minded organisations/institutions for systemic change and intervening in rural and urban communities to build a violence-free and gender-just society.
