NGOs in India Working for the Prevention of Crimes Against Women

Despite progress toward gender equality, addressing crimes against women remains crucial in India. Numerous NGOs are leading the fight, offering essential services such as legal aid, counselling, and advocacy to tackle gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking. These organisations not only provide direct support but also work on systemic changes through education and advocacy. With this article, Local Samosa highlights key NGOs making significant impacts in preventing and addressing violence against women, detailing their services and how to connect with them.

1. Jagori

Founded in 1984, Jagori is a Delhi-based NGO dedicated to empowering women and combating gender-based violence. The name "Jagori" translates to "awaken" in Hindi, reflecting the organisation’s mission to raise awareness and drive change. They provide psychological support and legal assistance to survivors of violence, offer safe spaces for women escaping abusive situations and engage in community outreach to educate the public on women's rights and violence prevention.

Where: 114B, Block B, Shivalik Colony, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi

Contact: +91 11 41618709, +91 11 2669 1219, +91 11 2669 1220

2. Delhi Commission for Women (DCW)

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) is a statutory body established to address and prevent crimes against women in Delhi. The DCW is empowered to investigate complaints, recommend policy changes, and provide support services. It offers legal assistance, counselling, and advocacy to ensure that laws and policies protect women effectively.

Where: C-Block, 2nd floor, Vikas Bhawan, ITO, IP Estate, New Delhi

Contact: +91 11 23379181

3. Apne Aap Women Worldwide

Apne Aap is an NGO dedicated to combating sex trafficking through grassroots initiatives in India. Headquartered in New York, it holds consultative status with the United Nations. Since its establishment in 2002 by journalist Ruchira Gupta and 22 women in prostitution, Apne Aap has supported over 20,000 girls, women, and their families who are either at risk or have been affected by prostitution.

Where: 3B, St. George Terrace Road, Hastings, Kolkata

Contact: +91 8232085060, +91 8232911503

4. Breakthrough

Breakthrough aims to make gender-based violence unacceptable by changing cultural norms that perpetuate discrimination. The NGO engages nearly 1.5 million adolescents in schools and communities to reshape gender attitudes before they become fixed behaviours. By developing leadership, agency, and negotiation skills, Breakthrough empowers young people to promote gender equality. This shift leads to increased ages of marriage and higher school retention rates for girls. Led by youth aged 11 to 25, Breakthrough uses media tools to influence public narratives and drive progress toward a world of equality and justice.

Where: Plot-3, DDA Community Centre, Zamrudpur, New Delhi,
1/72, Ground Floor, Vipul Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow and
Plot No-2273, Khata No-55, Hurhuru, Near Konar Bridge and Kshitiz Hospital, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Contact: +91 522 4105866

5. Centre for Social Research (CSR)

The Centre for Social Research (CSR) has been addressing women's issues since 1983. Based in Delhi, CSR focuses on research, advocacy, and training to prevent violence against women. The organisation conducts workshops and seminars to educate communities and works with law enforcement and policymakers. CSR’s four Crisis Intervention Centres (CICs) in Delhi enable individuals and families experiencing or witnessing violence in their homes or elsewhere. They provide free, confidential support services such as mediation, emergency assistance and more.

Where: Ambience Mall 2, Nelson Mandela Marg, Pocket 3, Vasant Kunj II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

Contact: +91 011 46131929

6. RAHI Foundation

Established in 1996, RAHI Foundation provides support to women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. The organisation offers counselling, support groups, and advocacy to help survivors recover and raise awareness about the impacts of abuse. This organisation is the first and only organisation in India for women survivors of Incest and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). It is professional, informed, and uniquely positioned to facilitate the recovery process for women survivors through an informed and distinctive model of healing.

Where: M-50 Ground Floor, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi

Contact: +91 11 41607055

7. Vimochana

Vimochana, based in Bengaluru, focuses on domestic violence and women's rights issues. The organisation provides legal aid, crisis intervention, and advocacy to support women in abusive situations and work towards policy reforms. Founded in 1993, Angala (their women’s crisis intervention centre) provides moral, social, and legal support to women experiencing violence and abuse. Serving around 400-500 women and families at any time, the centre offers assistance with employment, childcare, medical treatment, and shelter. Angala focuses on addressing each woman's unique needs and helping them lead lives of dignity, free from violence.

Where: 8, Dodda Banaswadi Main Rd, Jaibharath Nagar, Sanjeevappa Layout, Maruthi Sevanagar, Bengaluru

Contact: +91 080 25492781/82/83, +91 8317409506

8. Prerana

Prerana focuses on rescuing, protecting, and rehabilitating human trafficking victims. Since 1986, the NGO has collaborated with state governments to create anti-trafficking policies, aids in legal proceedings, and provides psychological counselling. It works to end intergenerational prostitution by advocating for survivors’ rights, offering education and health support, and leading major advocacy efforts. Prerana's Night Care Center (NCC) ensures the safety and development of children living in red-light areas, providing shelter, nutrition, education, play, and skill development. The organisation runs various programs to support and rehabilitate women and children affected by trafficking.

Where: Plot 20, Sector 5, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai

9. Guria India

Guria India focuses on rescue and legal intervention for victims of sexual assault, helping with FIRs, evidence collection, and court preparation. The NGO provides legal justice, counselling, and financial support. Guria combats sexual exploitation, forced prostitution, and sex trafficking, addressing the issues exacerbated by sex tourism and HIV/AIDS. It stands out by not only rescuing victims but also tackling the organised prostitution racket, addressing root causes like poverty and inequality.

Where: S-8/395, Khajuri Colony, Varanasi

Contact: +91 542 2504253

10. Aangan

Aangan is dedicated to preventing child abuse and trafficking, with a focus on protecting young girls. The organisation provides safe shelters, educational programs, and engages in advocacy to strengthen child protection systems. They work with government departments, community groups and civil society partners across India to make keeping children safe a priority for everyone. Aangan is a diverse team with subject expertise and 22 years of on-ground experience working in the most vulnerable regions of India.

Where: 16/4, 3rd Floor, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

Contact: +91 (0) 22 2352 5832