SNEHA: Prevention of Violence Against Women in India

At SNEHA, we believe the ultimate goal of prevention is to stop something from ever happening. Violence against women and children is, however, a ‘wicked’ problem. It cuts across class, caste, culture and geographical boundaries and its determinants are both multilevel and intersectional. This means that it is imperative that we act at all levels and with an understanding of the intersectionality.




Using a socio-ecologic model as a framework for action at different levels to prevent violence, from the individual to the home to the community to society, we tackle the interplay between levels and intersectional factors through primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies. 




Primary prevention activities are carried out through campaigns and group education with women’s and men’s groups, leading to individual voluntarism to identify, respond to and refer cases of violence against women and children. Secondary prevention is offered through delivery of comprehensive services that provide counselling.