Interim Update as of September 27, 2022

BreaktheTide transferred $1,000 to Daya. This is 50% of the overall funding commitment.

Daya used the initial funding to increase technology access to its clients, all South Asian survivors of domestic violence by providing them laptops. Daya purchased 6 laptops for its clients who are re-entering the workforce or educational programs.

Research shows that the vast majority of survivors experience financial control as part of the abuse they face. Using threats and violence, abusers do not allow their spouses to work, manage money, or reach out for help by restricting their access to the internet.

Interim Update as of September 27, 2022

Daya procured 6 laptops and all these were distributed to 6 low- income women who have successfully fled their abusive homes and are now rebuilding a life free from abuse.

Testimonial of one of the laptop recipients:

“I want to let you know that I am so thankful and appreciate all that you do and Daya all this time. The laptop that I received was such a huge blessing to me.  I was running out of time and I don’t have enough money to buy even a used laptop. My lawyer had been emailing me multiple times each day to fill out the documents and email them back to him. The laptop Daya gave me helped me to finish all the documents that I needed, and I was on time. Yes, on time. I was able to submit all the required documents for my case including the paperwork for the custody of my children. I would also like to thank the donors who are really kind and willing to donate money for laptops. Your donation has helped me and my children through this difficult time. Thank you, thank you and thank you. God bless Daya and God bless us all”.

Daya

“Daya” is a Sanskrit word meaning “Compassion”

Daya was founded by a group of South Asian women in Fort Bend county, Texas, after a tragic murder-suicide incident. In the Spring of 1996, a young South Asian women living in Fort Bend county shot and killed her abusive husband of ten years, her three young children and set fire to the family home before turning the gun on herself. This tragic event made international headlines both for the extent of abuse and violence this educated and employed woman had suffered and the cultural complexities that drove her to this tragic decision. The fact that this seemingly acculturated woman kept the abuse to herself and did not seek help from any mainstream agency, spoke volumes. Immigrant communities face unique barriers when seeking help and these challenges compound in an already complex system.

Daya was founded by a small group of women, all immigrants to the United States. It is a compassionate and culturally sensitive organization for South Asian women affected by domestic and sexual violence. Daya’s methodology is to reframe domestic and sexual violence as a public health crisis that South Asian community can respond to and prevent.

Daya’s goal is to end the cycle of violence with one of equity, compassion and collective safety. Daya offers direct services, outreach, training, capacity building, and community relationships to support the South Asian community. Daya’s direct services include helpline/crisis line counseling; safety planning; accompaniment to legal and criminal justice appointments; assistance in public benefits; referrals to victim and community resources; advocacy and assistance across various systems; and licensed mental health therapy. Daya expands community awareness and education towards the goal of reaching the most vulnerable victims in the community, bridging cultural gaps between the South Asian community and mainstream providers and preventing domestic and sexual violence.