The trafficking of India’s Dalits is an injustice on a grand scale. Yet even in the normal scheme of things, Dalits have limited if any access to the justice system. Dalit Freedom Network is committed to bringing justice to those who most need it.

[women’s empowerment seminars]

Women in particular are excluded from India’s justice system, so teams from our Dalit Education Centres[1] organise meetings several times a year to help local women learn about their human rights, legal entitlements and how to cope with difficult family situations like abuse and poverty. Local lawyers speak to the women and encourage them to stand up for their rights. Legal awareness helps curb domestic violence and other gender-related problems. The seminars are already benefitting women who are trapped in slavery, including those in ritualised prostitution - the devadasi of Karnataka and jogini of Andhra Pradesh – who are dedicated to a goddess as young children, and are sold for sex when they reach puberty.

[legal advice]

Dalit Freedom Network¹ is developing a network of lawyers who can be available to provide legal advice to victims of trafficking, and those who are particularly vulnerable to such exploitation,. The long-term aim is to provide a lawyer-on-call service.

[victim protection]

A key element in the stand against trafficking is caring for those who fall victim. This is particularly necessary in a system that often views victims as criminals, especially in the sex trade where those who have been trafficked can find themselves arrested. Dalit Freedom Network¹ is working with Indian police and lawyers to explore the development of workshops for officers and officials that will not only help improve investigations and prosecutions, but will increase greater awareness of the needs of victims.

DFN has set up refuge shelters in various locations to provide a place for women rescued from trafficking to be safely cared for, and to help with their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Our aim is to attain a high standard of care and security for the most vulnerable.

[prosecuting traffickers]

DFN¹ is working with Indian police and lawyers to bring traffickers to justice. This involves taking on individual cases, particularly where we have been involved in helping victims find protection, care and freedom. Read Sunita’s story for one example of our engagement with lawyers and police to facilitate a rescue and proceedings to bring about a conviction.

[help them help themselves]

You can enable us to provide much needed legal interventions and support, as well as caring for those who have been rescued from trafficking by donating to our ‘Help Them Help Themselves’ fund. [Find out more...]

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[1] Through our Indian partners, Operation Mercy India Foundation