By Hafsa Jawed | Caseworker
Women for Afghan Women – Queens Family Justice Center
A client of South Asian background recently walked into the Queens Family Justice Center (QFJC), referred to us by Shubhekchya (Sue) Malla, Sexual Assault Program Manager at SAKHI. The client had come to the United States from a South Asian country to work and support her family back home. She found employment as a live-in home health aide, caring for her employer’s elderly mother.
From the beginning, the client was determined to seek legal assistance in obtaining an order of protection to stop the ongoing threats from her employer. The employer was threatening her. As her Case Manager, I listened closely and worked to build rapport. It quickly became clear there was more to her story than she initially shared. After further questioning in a safe and supportive environment, the client disclosed that she had experienced ongoing sexual abuse by her employer; she had been raped. However, she had managed to escape and find safety in New York City.
Displaying immense courage, she later returned to the state where the incident occurred solely to report the threats to the police, who informed her they would follow up with her on the case. The client was deeply afraid that if news of the assault reached her family back in her home country, it would bring shame and judgment upon her. She hesitated to speak up out of fear that her community would blame her, rather than the abuser. We assured her that none of what happened was her fault and reminded her that she was brave for seeking help.
In many South Asian cultures, it is still taboo to talk about sexual assault—let alone admit to being a survivor. These cultural norms often place blame and shame on women, while abusers face little to no social repercussions. As a South Asian myself, I deeply understood the stigma she feared and the cultural silence surrounding these issues. Her fear was not unfounded—but she was not alone. We assured her that anything shared at the QFJC would remain confidential, and that we were committed to ensuring her abuser would not be able to harm her—or anyone else—again. Her case is a powerful reminder that speaking out, while incredibly difficult, can lead to justice and healing in ways one may not expect.
The client was referred to Sanctuary for Families, where attorney Olivia Brenner provided a legal consultation regarding her options for obtaining an order of protection. We also received vital support from Kathleen Baer, Director of the Special Victims Unit at the NYPD, and Sgt. Kevin Fulham from the Special Victims Liaison Unit. Sgt. Fulham coordinated with law enforcement of that specific state, and we later learned that the State Police had contacted the client to inform her that her abuser had been arrested.
In addition to the legal and emotional support she received, the client also benefited from practical resources. Through the Uber HOPE Rides program, she was provided with food and transportation—essential lifelines during a time when she hadn’t eaten and felt overwhelmed by navigating the New York City subway system. These supports offered her a measure of comfort and reduced stress during an incredibly traumatic period.
When I followed up with the client, I could hear the difference in her voice—a tone of strength and relief that had not been there when she first entered the QFJC. Her abuser was no longer free, and for the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
This case underscores the critical importance of cultural competency in social services. When service providers understand a client’s cultural context, it fosters trust and creates a space where healing can begin. It also highlights the power of collaboration—when advocates, law enforcement, legal professionals, and support programs come together, survivors are not only protected but truly empowered.
