Supporting South Asian Survivors of Sexual Abuse

An Illustrated Guide Book to Help Loved Ones Be There

Talking about sexual abuse can be difficult for South Asians because of cultural norms and stigmas surrounding shame, honor, and victim blaming. To feel supported in their journey, survivors must feel validated and believed.

Through this guide, you will learn how to respond when a survivor shares about being sexually abused. You will understand the appropriate language, words, and responses to make a survivor feel safe, seen, and supported.

We have created this guide specifically for South Asian survivors and their loved ones. Recognizing the critical role loved ones play in supporting survivors, this guide seeks to reduce the cultural barriers.

Our Process

This guidebook was created using stories and feedback from survivors, loved ones, advocates, activists, and community members. They’re responses werevital in creating a collective vision for the guidebook.

English Survivor Support Guidebook

The Survivor Support Guidebook is translated into 10 languages, find your language below.

Click the language button to download or print a PDF copy of the guidebook.

TRANSLATION PARTNER: RESPOND CRISIS TRANSLATION

Abolitionist language justice organization providing around-the-clock, professional, trauma-informed interpretation and translation to migrants, refugees, and all for whom language is a barrier to accessing safety and dignity.

WRITING & ART : JABIN AHMED

Hudson, New York-based artist and writer cultivating culture and community through creativity

Learn more here.

Research & Data Collection: Atia Begh

Data Analysis & Narrative: Jabin Ahmed

Reviewers & Editing: Krisha Sikka, Sumayra Khan, Shailaja Dixit, Saher Al Khamash, Debmalya Roy Choudhuri, Joymala Hajra, Farzana Musomi, Sirajum Sandhi

  • North Star Fund

    Funding

  • The Equity Fund at Berkshire Taconic

    Funding

  • Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene Counties

    Funding

  • Pro-Printers

    Printing