Executive Summary

Daya, meaning “compassion” in Sanskrit, was founded by eight Indian women who realized, after volunteering on a local crisis line, that Houston faced significant gaps in addressing the cultural barriers faced by South Asian survivors of abuse. Twenty-seven years later, Daya remains connected to its community roots and committed to its mission of empowering South Asian survivors of gender-based violence with culturally responsive services and community prevention tools.

Daya’s approaches are rooted in evidence-based practices, language expertise, and deep understanding of cultural norms and nuances. 93% of the team identifies as Asian, representing diversity of religions, languages, ethnicities, and traditions. 86% have lived experience as survivors, giving them critical insight when assisting clients. Supporting over 600 survivors annually, Daya’s culture is defined by trust, empathy, and the courage to reimagine strategies to end abuse.

Daya empowers individuals by offering comprehensive services including crisis counseling, safety planning, licensed trauma therapy, housing assistance, legal support, and case management to ensure streamlined systems navigation and economic independence. All services are free, confidential and focus on reclaiming safety, achieving healing, and improving well-being.

Daya also contributes to a safer future through events, education, and toolkits that raise awareness and promote healthy relationships. Never operating in isolation, Daya nurtures authentic relationships with community stakeholders, local leaders, diverse allies, and courageous survivors to break the silence of domestic violence and prevent generational abuse.

Daya’s nimble approaches celebrate culture as a tool for survivor healing and catalyzing the change to end gender-based violence.

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