“He isolated us, controlled me financially and physically. He abused me mentally and sexually - in every way possible. My life was hell and one day I realized that I had to escape or I would die. SAHARA made it possible for my daughter and I to leave and get the care, guidance and support we needed to rebuild our lives.” - Client Story
Hello!

Preventing and ending sexual violence MUST be a community effort ! What better way to get this conversation started than during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It is our responsibility to support and educate those around us by making these topics a part of everyday conversations.

SAHARA has been supporting survivors of sexual violence for 28 years , providing shelter, therapy, healthcare access, and legal support so that our survivors can grow and thrive. 

Please help support SAHARA's efforts in assisting survivors.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any form of sexual violence, please contact SAHARA at 562-402-4132 or call our 24 Toll-free hotline at 1-888-SAHARA2.  
Don’t forgot that Wednesday, April 24th is Denim Day

Across the world, millions of people will wear jeans in solidarity with survivors and those that are combatting sexual assault. There is never an invitation or an excuse to harass, abuse, assault, and rape! Thank you to our community partner organization, Peace Over Violence for this 20 year-long campaign.
RECENT EVENTS
SOUTH ASIAN HEALING CIRCLE 20 FOR 20 AWARD!

Peace Over Violence recognized the South Asian Healing Circle collaboration with a 20 FOR 20 Award at the Denim Day Reception in April. The South Asian Healing Circle is a collaborative effort between SAHARA, HEART Women & Girls, Peace Over Violence, and the South Asian Network. Through this collective, we have cultivated a healing space to appreciate, learn, and share our narratives around sexual violence.   
SHIFTING THE LENS

SAHARA’s Senior Social Worker, Katy Alamshaw, and Director of Collaborative Programs, Bilal Kazmi, attended the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence’s conference entitled: “Shifting the Lens”. The focus of the conference was to reform our processes of assisting survivors of gender based violence. Many intersectional factors of oppression often limit the opportunity for survivors to leave abusive relationships. Immigration status, socio-economic standing, transphobia, homophobia and racial inequality are often a deterrent and have a direct correlation to domestic violence. During the conference, SAHARA staff was able to share and collaborate ideas on approaching gender based violence in the South Asian community from a more holistic and intersectional standpoint.  
BANGLADESH INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL

SAHARA was honored to be a part of Los Angeles’ 13th annual Bangladeshi Independence Day festival, which was facilitated by BUFLA (Bangladesh Unity Federation of Los Angeles). The festival was held in the heart of Los Angeles’s Little Bangladesh community. SAHARA staff used this opportunity to spread awareness about our services and to remind community members that we are here to support them. At SAHARA, we understand the necessity of being an organization that is inclusive to ALL South Asians. We are here for one another, with one another! 
GURDWARA SINGH SABHA CLINIC

SAHARA staff hosted a very successful Legal & Healthcare Access clinic at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Buena Park. SAHARA staff were present to assist community members in applying for public benefits and US Citizenship. Furthermore, our mental health therapist was there to provide emotional health support. SAHARA's Director of Legal Services was also present to provide legal consultations to community members. If you would like SAHARA staff to host a clinic in your community please contact our Outreach Coordinator Hina Ahmad at hahmad@saharacares.org .  
YOUTH PROGRAM
SAHARA will be hosting our annual Summer Youth Program from July 1st to July 31st. Our Youth Program is for South Asian high school students interested in getting involved in social justice efforts in their communities. The Program will be a combination of informative workshops and field trips throughout Los Angeles. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from activists from various community partner organizations. Participants will end the program by creating a public service announcement centered on gender based violence awareness and prevention.

If you know someone between the ages of 13-17 that is interested in being a part of this dynamic program, please email SAHARA’s Outreach Coordinator, Hina Ahmad at hahmad@saharacares.org .
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT - ELDER CARE
Our new Elder Care Program serves anybody who is over 55 years of age.
Under this program, we are providing assistance for:
  • Housing
  • Food Assistance
  • Case Management
  • Public Benefits Assistance
  • Counseling/Therapy
  • Legal Help for any kind of abuse
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Financial Advising
  • Senior Support Groups
If you know anyone who is experiencing abuse, please contact our office at 562-412-4132. If it’s a life threatening situation call 911.
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