Saheli is here to offer nonjudgemental, culturally sensitive domestic and sexual violence services that are vital to the well-being of immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence, while keeping in mind their unique cultural beliefs and upbringing.
Our Vision
Saheli’s vision is to create a socially just and violence-free environment for the South Asian and Arabic speaking community. Saheli envisions an environment for immigrant families that is free of gender-based violence; one that gives everyone, regardless of gender and/or sexuality, a powerful voice; one that questions and subverts long-held patriarchal beliefs; and one that paves the way for children of immigrants and immigrant youth to live safe and healthy lives.
Our Mission
Saheli’s mission is to empower South Asian and Arabic speaking women and families to lead safe and healthy lives by:
- Empowering them to become financially independent
- Increasing awareness about legal rights for immigrant women and families
- Educating families about physical, emotional, financial and immigration abuse
- Increasing awareness about healthy relationships among families, youth, and children
Our History
Saheli was founded in 1996 in collaboration with the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) by South Asian immigrant women who were passionate about helping domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives. Three decades ago, Saheli recognized the unique challenges faced by immigrant survivors and families experiencing domestic violence and set out to become a beacon of hope, safety, and support.
Today, Saheli is a nonprofit organization providing culturally and linguistically responsive services to South Asian and Arabic-speaking survivors and their children. Saheli understands the barriers that can make it difficult for survivors to seek help, including cultural factors, acculturation stress, limited support systems in the U.S., and limited English language proficiency.
Over its 30-year history, Saheli has helped thousands of women reclaim their lives, protect their families, and build brighter futures. Saheli is guided by a diverse Board of Directors and an Advisory Committee of community leaders representing many races and ethnicities.
What drives us:
Community Partners:
Consulate General of India, New York
Sewa International
Indian Association of Greater Boston (IAGB)
Lokvani
Friends of Indian Senior Citizens Organization (FISCO)
Indian Americans of Burlington (IAB)
Indian Americans of Lexington
Indian Association for Political Education (IAFPE)
India Association of New Hampshire (IANH)
Indian Circle of Caring (ICC)
Indian Medical Association of New England (IMANE)
India New England News (INEN)
Indian Society of Worcester
New England Bangladeshi American Foundation Inc (NEBAF)
Prabasi of New England
South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (SABAGB)
Funders
