ASHA Team
Nobody should have to live in fear and threat of domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence have the right to be safe and to regain control of their lives. That is why ASHA is committed to supporting women and their families to achieve safety; empowering our community to become stronger; and advocating for broader social change.
Mission and Vision
ASHA-Ray of Hope exists to support and counsel individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Ohio, especially in the South Asian community. Through advocacy, collaboration and awareness activities, ASHA helps to educate the greater community and connect individuals and families with the resources they need to achieve self-reliance.
Who We Serve
We embrace diversity and provide culturally sensitive services delivered with compassion and respect. We support women from the South Asian region who are experiencing domestic violence. Our survivors speak a variety of languages, practice different religions, hail from different countries, and many have arrived to the United States as immigrants and refugees.
History
ASHA-Ray of Hope was established in 2003 by members of the South Asian community who recognized how susceptible South Asian women are to domestic violence. Cultural socialization, recent immigration, loss of traditional family support, lack of proficiency in English, as well as unfamiliarity with the laws and services of the United States, keep many women confined in abusive situations.
ASHA-Ray of Hope’s objective is to provide information and support during their crises. ASHA has introduced innovative intervention methods that combine advocacy practices of the United States with culturally appropriate traditional techniques in a manner that offers South Asian women acceptable alternatives to living with violence. ASHA-Ray of Hope continues to centralize women’s needs and interests in all its organizational decisions and service provision.
If you are in crisis and need immediate help:
- Call 9-1-1
- Visit the emergency room
- Call the Columbus Suicide Hotline (614) 294-3300 or (614) 221-5445
- Call the toll-free National Suicide Hotline (800) 273-TALK or (800) 273-8255
