Nonpro t
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER
FSSA o ers support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human tra cking.
The nonpro t provides counseling, legal assistance, transitional housing and a 24/7 hotline in 32 languages.
Asian Family Support Services of Austin, formerly SAHELI, was born out of the observation that Asian survivors of domestic violence in Austin were not utilizing local support services as consistently as other groups.
PHOTOS COURTESY AFSSA
AFSSA addresses cultural barriers to help survivors For over 30 years, the Asian Family Support Ser- vices of Austin has supported Asian and immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human tra cking across 10 Austin area counties. The backstory AFSSA, formerly SAHELI, o ers culturally-in- formed counseling, peer support groups, legal assistance, transitional housing and a con dential
• AFSSA saw a 157% yearly increase in hotline call volumes and served 237 clients in 2022. • So far in 2023 the organization has helped over 300 clients. The organization’s services are available to survivors of all backgrounds. How to help While AFSSA is 85% funded by govern- ment grants, the remaining 15% comes from donors. Additionally, AFSSA o ers volunteer opportunities. The 24-hour hotline can be reached at 877-281- 8371. The website is www.afssaustin.org.
24/7 hotline in 32 di erent languages. AFSSA Director of Advocacy Samira Ghosh said many immigrant survivors face cultural, religious and language barriers that can make traditional services less accessible. “We understand that cultural expectations about family and honor can keep a survivor in an abusive situation. ... Here, they feel they don’t have to explain themselves,” Ghosh said. Both the organization and demand for its services continue to grow: • The sta has grown from eight people to 43. • The Asian population is the third largest in Aus- tin and the fastest-growing single-race category.
35
NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook