24 x 7 CRISIS LINE
“At any given moment you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end” – Christine Mason Miller
Gender based violence can be one of the most difficult and emotionally challenging situations to talk about. Gender based violence includes, but is not limited to, domestic violence against women, family abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, child abuse, child sexual abuse and stalking. The patriarchal norms of society have created an environment where the shame and guilt is for the victim to bear. This leads to increased isolation of the individual and restricts their access to support to deal with the violence.
Our 24 x 7 crisis lines are manned by volunteers well trained in counselling skills and crisis management by providing professional support and confidential care to all callers. Aks aims to create a safe space where people can speak about their feelings of emotional trauma and distress. The goal is to ensure that no one victimized by Gender Based Violence should feel alone, irrespective of the time of day. We are there to Listen, Acknowledge and Empathize.
If you or someone you know is going through gender based or domestic violence call us for assistance. We are here to help you.
Reach out to us on 8793088814 or write to us at help@aksfoundation.org
LEGAL LINE (12pm to 12am)
“The time that domestic violence is most lethal is when the person is trying to leave the situation” – Julie Johnston
As an individual you have the right to demand justice and accountability. Gaining information about your legal rights and knowing how the law protects you is an important step towards empowerment. Volunteers on our legal line are well versed with the various aspects of domestic violence laws and its process. Your questions regarding the Domestic Violence act, divorce law and proceedings, filing police complaints and relief available will be answered by our team of trained legal experts. When possible Aks volunteers can accompany survivors to the police station, Mahila Sahay Kaksha, government hospitals, lawyers, and other government agencies. However, since Aks receives calls from across the country this service is only provided in Pune.
Reach out to us on 8793088814 or write to us at aks.foundation99@gmail.com
Community Education
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about” – Margaret J Wheatley
As a community it is important to combat gender based violence by not only strengthening support systems to fight it, but also finding ways to prevent it. Our attempt to actualise our vision of a gender equal society with no place for violence, has given way to our community education program ‘Little Steps! Large Impact!’
The Aks community education team comprises of teachers and trainers who are experts in dealing with gender-based issues. Trainings in schools focus on gender sensitisation and POCSO (Protection of children against sexual offences), trainings in colleges and with young adults focuses on Gender Sensitisation, Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual harassment and Stalking. Trainings in community centres with adults focus on gender awareness, gender based violence and domestic violence. Our trainings are interactive and aim to create a healthy space for discussion and learning. Our programs cater to a diverse audience irrespective of sex, age and / or social backgrounds.
If you wish to conduct a workshop at your educational institute or community centre reach out to us on 9594306565 or write to us at aks.foundation99@gmail.com
CORPORATE AWARENESS
“We need to resist the tyranny of low expectations. We need to open our eyes to the inequality that remains. We won’t unlock the full potential of the workplace until we see how far from equality we really are.” — Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook (Source: Thrive Global)
Aks partners with corporates to conduct workshops on gender, gender-based violence, prevention of sexual harassment and impact of domestic violence at the workplace. In the past Aks has trained corporate employees including contract workers like drivers and security guards on POSH. The director and legal advisors of Aks also sit as external experts on the internal grievance committees as well as POSH committees of companies across India.
Our corporate workshops aim to sensitize staff, create empathetic workplaces, promote leadership among women by breaking stereotypes and communication hurdles.
If you wish to conduct a workshop at your educational institute or community centre reach out to us on 9594306565 or write to us at aks.foundation99@gmail.com
Fund Raising
Helping build a new generation of people and individuals who are able to look beyond gender diversity, norms and stereotypes is what Aks Foundation is devoted to. To help achieve our vision every year Aks Foundation, Pune has an event not only to raise funds for survivors of abuse and to create awareness around sexual abuse. Our fundraiser draws inspiration from the international event and non-profit organisation Take Back The Night. Hundreds of events are held in over 30 countries annually. Events often include marches, rallies and vigils intended as a protest and direct action against rape and other forms of sexual, relationship and domestic violence. The first Aks TBTN was held on 26th April, 2009 and so far we have successfully organised 11 fundraisers with different themes every year.
To know more or to help organise our fund raising events write to us at aks.foundation99@gmail.com
To know more or to help organise our fund raising events write to us at aks.foundation99@gmail.com
