WIN's Role in Combating CSA and Empowering Women

WIN has emerged as a cornerstone in the fight against Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) by addressing incidents with discretion and delivering justice through legal avenues. The organisation provides a sanctuary for women and girls to voice their experiences of abuse, ensuring that their stories are heard and acted upon. As a testament to its impact, WIN has fostered an environment where more survivors feel empowered to report cases, breaking cycles of silence and stigma.

Support and Legal Aid

A core pillar of WIN’s mission is its provision of legal aid, facilitated by sensitised and highly skilled lawyers. These professionals are trained not only in the technicalities of the law but also in handling sensitive cases with empathy and understanding. This approach ensures survivors receive justice without the added trauma of navigating a system that can often feel cold and impersonal.

The Power of Safe Spaces

WIN’s creation of safe spaces for women and girls has had a transformative effect. By cultivating an atmosphere of trust and support, the charity has empowered countless individuals to come forward and share their truths. These safe spaces are integral to WIN’s broader mission, as they lay the foundation for healing, action, and change.

Shradhya’s Journey: A Story of Courage and Resilience

Among the many beneficiaries of WIN’s work is Shradhya, a young woman whose story exemplifies the transformative power of support and advocacy. After losing her parents to COVID-19, Shradhya and her brother moved in with their grandmother. It was during this period that she faced sexual harassment from her uncle. With courage and the backing of WIN, Shradhya disclosed the abuse to her grandmother, a revelation that ultimately ended the harassment.

This pivotal moment not only brought an end to her ordeal but also inspired her to pursue justice for others. Now in her second year of an LLB degree sponsored by WIN, Shradhya is determined to become a lawyer. Her goal is to support vulnerable and marginalised women, ensuring they too have access to safety and justice. She dreams of working with WIN while establishing her own legal practice in the future, blending advocacy with action.

The Broader Impact

WIN’s work extends beyond individual cases, contributing to a societal shift in the perception and handling of CSA. By equipping survivors with the tools to reclaim their lives and supporting them in their journeys towards empowerment, the organisation is driving meaningful change. Stories like Shradhya’s are a testament to WIN’s pivotal role in creating a safer, more equitable future for women and girls.

According to an analysis by Child Rights and You (CRY), kidnapping and abduction constitute 46% of the crimes against children in India, closely followed by sexual offences. Shockingly, sexual violence against children has surged by 96% from 2016 to 2022.

In 2022 alone, reported cases of child rape and penetrative assaults reached 38,911, marking a significant uptick from 36,381 cases in 2021.