ASHA for Women

About ASHA

Asha means “hope” in several South Asian languages. For hundreds of women, ASHA for Women means hope through empowerment.

ASHA for Women (ASHA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing community-based, culturally competent support to South Asian women living in abusive marriages and homes. One of the first South Asian domestic violence prevention organizations formed in the United States, ASHA has been serving the legal, financial, and emotional needs of South Asian women in the Washington, D.C. metro area for 20 years. Created to circumvent many of the language, cultural, and social barriers that can stop many from seeking help, ASHA has committed itself to preventing abuse victims from falling through the cracks within the domestic violence service system.

Who do we serve?

ASHA serves domestic violence victims  and their children living in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, with origins in the following South Asian countries:

•    Bangladesh
•    Bhutan
•    India
•    Pakistan
•    Nepal
•    Sri Lanka

Our clients stem from various faiths, including, but not limited to

•    Hinduism
•    Islam
•    Christianity
•    Sikhism
•    Jainism

In addition, ASHA is committed to helping individuals of

•    any age
•    relationship status (single, married, or divorced)
•    immigration status

What do we do?

ASHA offers guidance for navigating the government and community services and resources available to victims of domestic violence. Each client is paired with an advocate with extensive knowledge about the financial, legal, and mental health needs of abuse victims. Guidance provided to clients enables them to make their own decisions and is offered in a sympathetic, nonjudgmental manner to ensure that choices are made without fear of criticism or shame. For a detailed breakdown of the client and community services ASHA provides, please click here.

How do we do it?

ASHA is a primarily volunteer-run organization with advocates and board members with vast expertise in domestic violence issues. In addition, an executive director and one client services coordinator manage daily client and administrative needs. The organization is governed by a 10-person board of directors, as well as an advisory board of former organization leaders, who advise ASHA about the most pressing issues facing women in their communities. In addition, ASHA has an expansive network of domestic violence service providers who share our dedication to improving the abuse-free status of women everywhere.

Where do we work?

We go to any length to communicate securely with our clients. Whether in coffee shops, libraries, or over the Internet or cell phone, ASHA volunteers meet with clients at their convenience, while upholding their privacy and safety.