The Institute for Family Well-being (IFW) provides survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with safe shelter, counselling, advocacy, vocational training and employment support.
Above all, IFW offers a safe, welcoming home -- a place where women can rest, recover and feel protected. This sense of safety and belonging provides the foundation they need to rebuild their lives and move towards a more independent future.
Who We Serve
Our shelter is a safe home for survivors of gender-based violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Women are referred through trusted NGOs, community allies, and local networks, and every resident is welcomed with dignity, compassion, and hope.
Many arrive after fleeing abusive households. Others come in moments of mental distress after being pushed out of their homes. Each woman brings a story that is entirely her own. Some are young or newly married. Others are mothers, middle-aged, or elders. Their backgrounds vary widely, from women who have never attended school to those with master’s degrees, and they come from every corner of India.
IFW’s purpose is to help each woman rebuild her life, reintegrate into society with strength and stability, and move towards her dreams with confidence.
Our Stories
Each woman who comes to IFW has a unique story. They come from all walks of life. Some are young, unmarried, or newly married. Others are middle-aged or elders. Some have never spent a day in school, while others hold Master's degrees. Some are wealthy, some are poor.
The reality of abuse can be painful to see, but we hope that these stories can help to spread understanding, and to break the stigma of silence that too often surrounds abuse and sexual exploitation, and we hope that they can begin a new narrative of healing and restoration.
What
We Do
Every woman’s circumstances, needs and aspirations are different. That is why IFW provides personalised support, empowering each woman to rebuild her life, pursue her goals and move towards greater independence.
Holistic Care and Mental Well-Being
Every resident receives trauma-centered counselling from trained professionals. IFW offers crisis counselling, family counselling, and long-term emotional support that helps women recover emotionally, mentally, and socially. For psychiatric concerns, the team works closely with doctors to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and medication adherence.
Livelihood, Skills, and Economic Independence
To prepare women for long-term independence, IFW runs livelihood programs in baking, tailoring, elder care, childcare, and shelter operations. Residents also learn practical life skills such as financial literacy, parenting, and language proficiency. These skills significantly improve their confidence and employability.
Legal and Medical Support
IFW connects women with legal assistance for court proceedings and urgent protection. Residents also receive access to medical and psychiatric care through a trusted network of healthcare professionals.
Education for Children
Children of survivors are supported through tailored educational programs:
• Blossoms Preschool offers early learning and emotional nurture for young children.
• National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) helps older children continue their education without disruption.
Impact
In the last 13 years, IFW has sheltered more than 600 women and children and has positively impacted over 1000 lives through care, advocacy, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
