Sahaya – A Beacon of Support for Domestic Abuse Survivors in Sri Lanka

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."