Our story began with an idea, a thought that was planted in our founder, Barkha Bajaj’s, mind while she was studying in the United States. Her work there, with survivors of abuse, violence and trauma, made her want to replicate similar support systems for survivors and victims in India. That little idea grew into a certainty as Barkha walked at a silent candlelight march for Nirbhaya in 2012.
The plan took shape in the form of a fundraiser, followed by training of keen volunteers and the Aks Crisis Lines were launched on 15th August, 2013. The objective behind a 24 x 7 crisis line was to ensure that someone was there to listen to people in times of a crisis.
“I wanted every woman, man and child who had been abused or victimised to know that they could reach out and have someone just listen to them. Just acknowledgement and empathy”
– Barkha Bajaj.
Today, Aks Foundation stands strong for all those seeking support against abuse and violence. While we have taken deep roots, we need all kinds of support and nourishment to continue our work and touch more lives.
Our work aims to combat the prevalence of violence against women and children, and has a three-pronged approach. The 24 x 7 Crisis Lines ensures that there is always someone available to listen, irrespective of the time of day. Our counsellors also arrange call-backs with legal experts, for victims of violence and abuse who are looking for legal help and/or more information on the laws in India. The Community Education Program is designed to create awareness about gender, gender sensitization and gender-based violence.
What's our Motto
Vision
Mission
“A gender equal society, where violence is not the norm and everyone can lead a life free of abuse.”
What drives us is our honest and focused mission
● No one victimized by Gender Based Violence should feel alone. We are there to Listen, Acknowledge and Empathize.
● To empower victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual abuse to become survivors and lead a life of dignity.
● To create safe and interactive spaces to discuss all things related to Gender Based Violence.
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The Challenge
Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence, is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights.
Global estimates published by WHO indicate that about 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Most of this violence is intimate partner violence.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21), 32% of women in India have suffered physical or sexual violence. Comparatively, the number of reported cases of violence against women (although staggering) is likely low. The NCRB report of 2022 (IPC Crimes against Women, Crime Head-wise & States/UT-wise) records 4,28,278 cases filed under IPC section 498A. This leads us to believe that the numbers could be much higher as compared to the reporting.
