Who Are We
Rise Against Child Sexual Harm & Abuse
RACSHA (Rise Against Child Sexual Harm & Abuse) is a network of individuals and organisations working for the prevention, recognition, addressing and healing of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) & Incest. RACSHA is based in Kolkata.
We have teachers, activists, lawyers, doctors, psychologists, social workers, special educators and corporates in our team. The network was formed in 2016.
We have a youth group in our team. The group is named as Way to Sunshine. This was formed in 2017.
A common foundation of values and commitment to action on CSA has helped steer the network through its rich and dynamic journey.
Our Mission
A world where children are safe from sexual harm and abuse.
Our Vision
A network of partnerships and collaborations working for the prevention and healing of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and incest.
Our Journey So Far
Inception
The origins of the network lie with Kolkata-based Mental Health Foundation (MHF) that works at the interface of mental health, care and education. Experiences from its clinic-based interventions, workshops in schools, requests for support from NGOs and other engagements had highlighted the critical need for focused attention on combating Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). MHF began to explore the possibility of a network that could drive dialogue and actions in this domain. Several key actors from development and mental health domain stepped up in response. Individuals from other walks of life, including the corporate sector, also joined hands.
Discussions in this group of likeminded people highlighted the existing gaps and challenges in working on CSA. This included the need to increase awareness regarding CSA among social workers, mental health professionals, in schools and communities. Access to existing resources (knowledge and skills) and enhancing the quality of available services were also urgent priorities. Inter-agency collaboration in supporting victims and survivors required greater emphasis as well. Moreover, there was an absence of peer support platforms for professionals working on CSA Vision.
RACSHA works with:
- Child victims and adult survivors
- Communities, caregivers, families and service providers
- State government, non-government, statutory, educational and other bodies
What RACSHA does:
- Create awareness about CSA
- Provide service referrals, information and advice
- Do research and advocacy
- Provide training
RACSHA’S Foundation Values
Empathy
Appreciating Diversity
Mutual respect
Equity
Safety
Confidentiality
Participatory
Creativity
Democratic
Transparency
Volunteerism
Accountability
RACSHA’s Key Objectives
- Create awareness on child protection including CSA with communities, schools and colleges.
- Enhance skills of caregivers and professionals for preventing and, as needed, supporting child victims of CSA and contribute to accessible and quality services (for child and adult victims and survivors).
- Collaborate to share, document and disseminate good practices and other resources on CSA and encourage their adoption in existing systems.
- Support and mentor survivors who can, gradually, become a part of the network and lead processes of change.
- Grow as a group that mobilises and advocateson issues related to CSA and contributes to strengthening systems.
Our Supporters
Our mission is driven by the heartfelt stories and experiences of those we serve.