In January 2014 a five-day interactive training program entitled “Building Communities of Care: Spiraling towards Strength” was held at the YMCA International House in Mumbai.  The training was organized by Direct Action for Women Worldwide (DAWNWW), a Boston-based non-profit and by Center for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT), located in Mumbai. 

These two organizations, both dedicated to addressing gender-based violence, came together to offer this opportunity to counselors from around India, to broaden their skills and network with others who do similar work.  This program is a starting point for an exchange of ideas and resources among counselors in India and the US. 

Geeta Aiyer, Founder of DAWNWW was present at the training program, and said that, “I am pleased that the first aspect of our work has aptly addressed a gap identified by us, i.e., training care providers to further empower a community to meet the needs of women who survive sexual violence in India.” 

The first 3-days covered training counselors who work with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and the following 2-days focused on training the group to be trainers and mentors. Almost 25 participants representing organizations from across India traveled from Chennai, Kolkata, Shillong, and other cities to attend the training program.  Meg Bossong, formerly of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and Sujata Warrier from Manavi, a pioneering South Asian women’s support organization based in New Jersey traveled to Mumbai to be the skilled trainers for this unique program.

An editorial by Padma Bhate Deosthali in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics (Jan-March 2013), describes sexual assault as, “… one of the most pervasive forms of gender-based violence in India and may occur at home, in the workplace or in the community. The editorial goes on to say, “Survivors and their families require counselling services that help them overcome the anxiety, shame and guilt that is associated with rape. They can be helped to understand rape as a severe form of physical assault, violation of bodily integrity and not loss of honor. Such interventions can reduce self-blame and enhance healing.”

This intensive training program was designed to strengthen core skills of counselors.  Participants engaged in discussions around the history of the Violence Against Women movement in the USA and its comparison to India, the impact of sexual violence across the life span, the need for self-awareness and self-care, trauma-informed services, counseling and advocacy skills, and cultural considerations.  Through the use of case studies and interactive activities, the participants were able to explore their current approaches to their work and ways in which to improve their services for women who face, what can often seem like, insurmountable odds. 

Feedback about the training was overwhelmingly positive. “It was an amazing experience.  I feel more empowered now.  I have the tools and knowledge. Coming from a math’s background I learnt a lot. I am now comfortable with my own self and have shed a few inhibitions,” said an excited participant.

One of the organizers from the Indian group said, “I would strongly recommend this training to all employees of groups working in civil society with a systems approach. It has the right mix of perspective and skill building exercises.”

DAWN plans to continue its work with regards to gender based violence through partner organizations in India.  Five areas of focus drive DAWN's work:  (1) holistic assistance to survivors of gender-based violence, (2) engaging men and boys for prevention, (3) Helplines/Safe cities, (4) Data and Media for awareness (5) Assistance for special victims:  children, acid victims.  For more information about DAWN or its partner organizations, please contact us at geeta@dawnww.org 

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