If you are here, we know you might have questions. Click through below to find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Still looking for more information? Reach out to us.
To get help
Please visit our Get Help page for more information on getting assistance from Sakhi.
How can I speak with a Sakhi team member?
Refer to our Get Help page for more information on how to get in contact with a Sakhi team member.
If you are in immediate danger, consider calling 911, if that is a safe option for you.
What happens when I call the helpline myself or receive a call back from the helpline after submitting the above form?
When we speak with you for the first time, we will work to understand what you need support with and what resources might be available to you.
At the same time, we encourage you to ask questions about our work, services, approach, and more. When you meet with an advocate, you can learn about the ways Sakhi that might be able to support you and/or connect you with other appropriate resources.
In what languages can I receive services?
Across our team, advocates speak 7 South Asian Languages:
- Bengali
- Hindi
- Gujarati
- Nepali
- Punjabi
- Sylheti
- Urdu
In the event that you or an advocate do not speak a common language, our team will employ a safe and secure language translation service to facilitate conversation.
What should I not expect from an initial meeting with an advocate?
Our helpline is our first point of contact with community members. Think of it as a get-to-know-you session for both us and you.
As such, we encourage you to share your needs. We also want to offer that folks who call our helpline should not expect a service outside of crisis intervention to be provided at that time. For example, we cannot immediately connect folks to representation from a legal partner. Instead, we work with you on a one-on-one basis to determine and follow-up on your needs and work toward your goals.
Is Sakhi is required to obtain parental consent before working with minors?
No. Parental consent is not required of Sakhi by law in New York State in order for us to work with minors.
What is Mandated Reporting?
All members of the Sakhi for South Asian Survivors team, including interns, are mandated reporters. Therefore, in their professional capacity, if they are presented with reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment, they are mandated to contact the Administration for Children’s Services to make a report.
Child Abuse is defined as “A child whose parent or other person legally responsible for his/her care inflicts upon the child serious physical injury, creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury, or commits an act of sex abuse against the child. ” (Office of Children and Family Services, 2021)
Child Maltreatment is defined as “when a parent or other person legally responsible for the care of a child harms a child, or places a child in imminent danger of harm by failing to exercise the minimum degree of care in providing the child with any of the following: food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care when financially able to do so.” ((Office of Children and Family Services, 2021)
To learn more about Mandated Reporting in New York State, visit this page.
I do not live in New York City. Can I meet with a Sakhi advocate?
Most of Sakhi’s services can be available for survivors who live in New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania. However, due to licensing jurisdiction, Sakhi’s Mental Health Counseling services can only be provided to folks who resides in New York State.
What are Sakhi's advocates’ core ethics and values?
Sakhi team members create a safe, supportive, hopeful, and nonjudgmental space for all survivors of gender based violence, regardless of how they identify. Intersectionality and trauma-informed care are at the core of our approach.
Our Mental Health Counselors follow the NASW Code of Ethics and LMHC Code of Ethics.
How can I donate to Sakhi?
Visit our Donate page for more information on contributing to Sakhi’s mission.