Samir Shukla
Kiran, signifying “Ray of light” in Hindi, started in the late 90s with a group of South Asian community members coming together to support domestic violence (DV) victims who did not feel seen or heard. They recognized the dire need to address the alarming rates of DV amongst a growing South Asian population in the Triangle. Mainstream DV agencies did not understand the cultural nuances that many immigrant victims and survivors experienced, especially those of South Asian descent. These members were able to meet survivors where they were at, safety plans alongside them, and account for the cultural factors that would play a role in their abuse.
What began as a safe community space for survivors grew to become a full-fledged non-profit in 2008. Kiran has expanded to serve the entire state of North Carolina. Although Kiran’s main physical office is located in Raleigh, there is an additional satellite office in Cary and a chapter in Charlotte.
Currently, Kiran is the only non-religious, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, community-based organization serving South Asian victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in NC. The agency had a handful of clients in 2008, and that number has steadily climbed to 174 clients in 2023. The number of crises calls have also increased from 2039 in 2020 to 3746 calls in 2023.
The clients being served by Kiran encounter unique challenges that are often rooted in various factors related to their ethnicity, culture, religion, and immigrant status. South Asian victims experience language barriers, insecure immigrant status, cultural displacement, social isolation, and lack of knowledge about legal rights. These challenges along with pre-existing stigmas force the victims to stay silent and prevent them from seeking help.
Kiran works to alleviate many of these barriers by connecting South Asian survivors to resources that can heal and support them as they become financially independent. The culturally specific services of the agency include a 24-hour crisis hotline, client advocacy, crisis counseling, safety planning, support groups, resources, secondary Family Services, secure housing, and interpretation assistance.
Kiran’s prevention services include outreach events across the state but predominantly in the Mecklenburg and Raleigh-Durham area. Such events are teen workshops, training, outreach to religious and cultural groups, and partnerships with law enforcement and universities. Whether it is through donations, volunteering, or participating in Kiran events, Kiran relies on the efforts of the community. Throughout the year, Kiran hosts a few signature community events.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kiran hopes to work alongside community members to initiate change in our community and expand our services.
For more details, visit kiraninc.org
