Maitri is a free, conï¬dential, nonprofit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area, that primarily helps families from South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka among others) facing domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, human trafficking or family conï¬ict. Maitri was started in February, 1991, by a group of Indian women in response to the growing need in the South Asian community to have a place where women experiencing problems could call in for information, referrals to mainstream agencies, and informal peer counseling. Although there are mainstream organizations that provided similar kind of help, women from South Asian communities often do not feel comfortable approaching them, therefore, Maitri was born to approach the issue.
Maitri provides services on non-discriminatory basis. Anyone can seek help and services regardless of gender, race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation. All classiï¬cations are protected by applicable state or federal discrimination laws.
Maitri speaks your language: In addition to English, the volunteers speak Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Marwari, Punjabi, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu among others.
Helpline
Toll Free Helpline: 1-888-8MAITRI â¨(1-888-862-4874)
Local Helpline: 1-408-436-8398
Live Helpline Hours:Â 9:00 am â 1:00 pm (PST)
Please leave a message at all other times and your call will be returned within 24-48 hours
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