For over 30 years, the Asian Family Support Services of Austin has offered support to Asian and immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

The non-profit serves 10 counties in and around Austin, offering culturally-informed counseling, peer support groups, legal assistance, transitional housing and a confidential 24/7 hotline in 32 different languages.

The backstory

AFSSA, formerly SAHELI, was born out of the observation that Asian survivors of domestic violence in Austin were not utilizing local support services as consistently as other groups.

AFSSA Director of Advocacy Samira Ghosh said many immigrant survivors face cultural, religious and language barriers that can make traditional services less accessible.



“We understand that cultural expectations about family and honor can keep a survivor in an abusive situation. ... Here, they feel they don't have to explain themselves,” Ghosh said.

A survivor herself, Ghosh joined the organization 13 years ago after utilizing its services. Since then, she's seen the staff grow from eight people to 43.

The impact

The Asian population in Austin is the third largest after white and Hispanic as well as the fastest-growing single-race category, according to recent census data.


Ghosh said the organization has seen an increased need for services, especially in the northern regions of Austin's metro area.

In 2022, AFSSA saw a 157% increase in hotline call volumes and served 237 clients, according to its 2022 impact report. In 2023, that number has already passed 300, Ghosh said.

While the organization is Asian and immigrant facing, its services are available to survivors of all backgrounds.

Looking ahead


Ghosh said preventative education has become a larger part of AFSSA's work beyond direct services. The organization hosts presentations and trainings with local universities, businesses, community spaces and law enforcement.

“We used to only be at the crisis phase, providing survivors assistance when violence was happening, but now we want to break the cycle of violence so that we can get ourselves out of business,” Ghosh said.

In the future, AFSSA plans to expand to other cities in Texas.

How to help


While AFSSA is 85% funded by government grants, the remaining 15% of unrestricted funding comes from private donors and helps support its long-term services, such as housing.

On Oct. 13, it will host the annual Silk Road Gala fundraising event at Fair Market. The event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online.

Additionally, AFSSA offers volunteer opportunities in outreach, pro bono legal assistance, education and more.

The 24-hour hotline can be reached at 877-281-8371.