The MurthyNAYAK Foundation is a proud sponsor of ASHA for Women, a Washington-based non-profit organization that helps South Asian women who are victims of domestic abuse. The word “asha” means “hope” in Hindi and other South Asian languages, and giving hope to women in crisis is ASHA’s reason for being. We wholeheartedly support this work to break the grip of gender-based violence and fear that holds too many immigrant women down. Attorney Sheela Murthy shares her expertise with ASHA as a member of its Board of Advisors.

For 20 years, ASHA for Women has been meeting the legal, financial, and emotional needs of South Asian women in the Washington, D.C. metro area, helping domestic violence victims from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and embracing clients from many faith traditions: Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and many others. ASHA’s counselors give clients the information they need to make important decisions, offering expert guidance in a sympathetic, non-judgmental atmosphere that allows clients to make informed choices without fear of criticism or shame.

Each ASHA client is paired with an advocate who has extensive knowledge of the financial, legal, and mental health needs of abuse victims, as well as linguistic and cultural competency to meet the special needs of South Asian women. ASHA’s advocates provide emotional support to their clients, and practical help in accessing civil, criminal justice, immigration and social services. They will even accompany clients to medical, legal, and social service appointments, and help them to find work, housing, English classes, driving lessons, and qualified professional help.

Further information is on ASHA’s website, www.ashaforwomen.org, and from ASHA’s toll-free helpline, 1-888-417-2742.