Our Story
SikhSAACH, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence in the Sikh Community. It was established in 2020 under the joint vision of Stevie Kaur and Deepti Kaur,
who are dedicated to eliminating sexual violence in the community.
Stevie Kaur
President & Co-Founder
Deepti Kaur
VP/Treasurer & Co-Founder
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence (SV) is a significant problem in the United States. SV refers to sexual activity when consent is not obtained or not given freely. Anyone can experience SV, but most victims are female. The person responsible for the violence is typically male and usually someone known to the victim.
The person can be, but is not limited to, a friend, intimate partner, coworker, neighbor,
or family member.
Center for Disease Control Prevention
What does SikhSAACH do?
The most important step is preventing sexual assault and harassment from occurring in the first place by implementing safeguards and educating our community.
SikhSAACH will work with Sikh camp organizers, Gurdwara committee members and families to understand what sexual misconduct and sexual assault is. More often than not, the perpetrator is someone we trust, someone in a position of power, and even a family member or close friend of the family. Education and training programs offered to the Sangat (community) will help break through cultural barriers and empower families.
ACCOUNTABILITY
When sexual assault occurs, it is important to act swiftly and justly to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
We will work with victims, families and committee members to provide legal resources.
Go to the Gurdwara management
All committee board members have a duty to take all allegations seriously. They have a duty to investigate, report and offer resources to the victim. They should comply with local authorities and adhere to state laws on reporting sexual assault.
Keep convicted criminals away from children
If a member of the staff at a Gurdwara has been accused, they should be temporarily removed from their duties until the investigation is complete. If the member is found guilty, they should NOT be allowed to have access to innocent community members.
File a report
Work with authorities to complete the investigation. Assist the family member or victim/s with filing a report. SikhSAACH will work with Gurdwara families and Gurdwara management to understand the steps of filing a report.
Support
Sexual assault is devastating on the physical, mental, and emotional health of the survivor.
Support is crucial in maintaining the short-term and long-term health of the survivor. SikhSAACH provides a safe and confidential space to ensure survivors' privacy.
Stop victim blaming!
SikhSAACH supports victims and survivors. We are here to listen. We offer a safe place for you to feel comfortable sharing whatever you need to. Our counselors are trained professionals. Everything is confidential.
SikhSAACH works with local resources to offer counseling, group therapy, and shelter if needed.
We also work with the Sangat to educate the community on how to support victims and survivors of sexual assault.
