Our Mission
Chaya supports South Asian survivors and families impacted by domestic violence and abuse and engages communities to change societal conditions that enable oppression, especially violence against women.

Our Vision
Chaya works within broader movements to realize a just and equitable world free of violence.

Our History
Chaya (translated from the Sanskrit word for "shelter" or "shade") was established in 1996 by a group of South Asian women who were receiving calls in their individual capacities to help other South Asian women experiencing domestic violence. . Since Chaya established its organizational presence in 1999, we have seen a tremendous growth in the demand for our services. Prior to that, data shows that very few South Asian women were accessing mainstream services. (South Asian refers to persons from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tibet.)

Our Goals

1.	To increase the numbers of South Asian women in crisis who feel comfortable accessing existing services through outreach and community awareness;
2.	To provide peer support, information and advocacy to our clients and to achieve for each client improved safety and a deeper knowledge of the root causes of domestic violence; and
3.	To reduce the incidence of domestic violence in the South Asian community through
	a.	providing education and information around issues of domestic violence in media, community forums and discussions, and
	b.	working with specific constituencies within the community (such as youth and men) to raise awareness of the issues surrounding power, anger and domestic violence.