Mapping Resources for Survivors of GBV and Developing a Survivor Support App

About the Project:

Imaara Survivor Support Foundation aims to undertake a comprehensive project that maps out state-wise resources for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) across India. The resources to be mapped include:

• Helplines
• One Stop Centres
• Medical services
• Legal services
• Police resources
• Food and shelter, child support
• Education and employment services
• Protection officer services
• Local complaints committees
• State women's commissions
• Legal service authorities

Once the mapping is complete, the project will evolve into the development of a user-friendly app that allows survivors to access the nearest resources based on their location. 

This initiative aligns with our mission to empower survivors by providing them with timely, accurate, and localized information that can facilitate their help-seeking behaviors and healing journey.

The Problem

Survivors of GBV often face multiple barriers when seeking help, including the lack of accessible information about support services. In many cases, survivors do not know where to turn to find the services they need, such as shelters, legal aid, medical care, or emotional support. This lack of information is exacerbated by social stigmas, fear of retaliation, and distrust of legal institutions, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce. While helplines and services do exist, they are often fragmented and difficult to locate without clear guidance, which can delay critical help for survivors.

Currently, India has various services and government initiatives in place to support GBV survivors, such as One Stop Centres and helplines. However, there is no centralized platform where survivors can easily access information about these resources. Without a streamlined way to identify and contact relevant services based on their location, survivors often feel overwhelmed and unsupported during their most vulnerable moments.

The Solution

Our proposed solution is:

• to begin mapping out the various resources mentioned above pan India.
• a digital platform—a mobile app that will serve as a centralized resource hub for survivors. It will provide real-time, location-based information on available services such as state-specific helplines, One Stop Centres, medical services, legal services, and crisis response teams. The app will offer multilingual options and be accessible to survivors of various backgrounds, including those from rural areas and vulnerable populations. It will also include features for survivors with disabilities, ensuring that all users can navigate the app with ease.

Targeted Population

• This project will target survivors of gender-based violence, particularly women, children, and marginalized communities in India. Our focus will include reaching those who live in remote, rural areas where services are either limited or difficult to locate.
• The app will be equally valuable for urban users who may not be aware of the specific services available in their locality or face barriers in accessing formal institutions due to stigma or fear.
• In addition to survivors, we aim to support bystanders, family members, and professionals who assist survivors in their recovery, providing them with the necessary information to connect individuals to appropriate services.

Beneficiaries

• Survivors of GBV: Who have faced sexual violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, or other forms of abuse.
• Marginalized Communities: Individuals from lower-income groups, rural areas, indigenous populations, or minority communities, who often have less access to information and resources.
• Service Providers and Support Organizations: Medical professionals, legal aid providers, social workers, and NGOs who work with survivors will benefit from a centralized platform to refer individuals to appropriate services quickly.

Impact on the Community

By centralizing and digitizing the availability of survivor services, this project will empower GBV survivors to take control of their help-seeking journey, reducing the time it takes to find support and ensuring that survivors can easily access critical services. In the long term, we expect this initiative to lead to:

• Increased Awareness: Survivors and their communities will be more informed about available resources, leading to better outcomes for individuals facing violence.
• Faster Response Times: The app will enable survivors to quickly find and reach out to the nearest One Stop Centre, police station, or medical facility.
• Improved Resource Allocation: Service providers can use the app to better coordinate with other agencies, ensuring survivors receive the appropriate care in a timely manner.

By creating a tool that is accessible and tailored to the needs of survivors, the app will contribute to breaking the cycle of violence, helping survivors recover faster and more fully. It also strengthens communities by providing a transparent and accessible system for seeking justice and support.

Initiative Sustainability

The sustainability of this initiative lies in its ability to be continuously updated and maintained through a collaborative effort between Imaara Survivor Support Foundation, local service providers, and volunteers. The app will be designed to integrate with existing government databases and services, ensuring that data on support systems remains current.

We plan to fund this initiative through a combination of donor funding, grants, and partnerships with other experts, NGOs and government entities. By establishing long-term partnerships with stakeholders, we can ensure the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of the platform. Additionally, we aim to scale the app to include new features over time, such as an emergency contact button, direct messaging with service providers, and mental health support features.

How the World Pulse Community Can Support This Project

We invite the World Pulse community to support this initiative in the following ways:

• Collaborate: Share knowledge and resources on similar projects worldwide to help us build the most effective platform possible.
• Advocate: Raise awareness about the need for such an app, both online and offline, to generate support and interest.
• Contribute Expertise: We are looking for developers, UX/UI designers, and legal experts who can help us refine the app's functionalities.
• Fundraise: Help us secure the funding necessary to launch and maintain the platform by connecting us to potential donors or contributing directly.
• Spread the Word: Encourage survivors, organizations, and service providers in your networks to use and promote the app once it is launched.

You can contact rasika@imaara.in or WhatsApp +91 784-592-0800.