Abstract:
"Domestic violence represents a critical issue in Sri Lanka by socio-cultural stigmas
and insufficient support mechanisms that often discourage victims of abuse from
seeking help. The challenges faced by survivors are compounded by lack of awareness
and inadequate knowledge. They often endure physical health issues ranging from
minor to severe injuries, and face mental health concerns including depression, post-
traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Children in this environment are also impacted,
which can lead to range of behavioural issues, including withdrawal and aggression or
even living with fear and anxiety, unsure of when the next incident will occur.
This thesis introduces “Sahaya”, an innovative mobile application tailored to empower
survivors of domestic abuse. The project includes a mixed research approach, starting
with a literature review, exploring what domestic violence is and the impact it has on
women. Additionally, conducting surveys from potential users and guidance from
experts in social work.
The application is built to provide a support system, featuring immediate access to
emergency services, secure incident records, and connecting to counsellors. The
system was tested by industry experts and survivors. The findings and feedback
emphasize the crucial role of an IT solution to address the gaps in the current support
systems and suggest valuable future recommendations.
Sahaya not only offers essential tools, but also fosters a supportive community
environment for survivors, in their emotional and social recovery."
