Women In Need
Break the Silence.
Win Against Violence.
Together we can end the violence and build a safer society for women and girls in Sri Lanka
Get to Know WIN
Women In Need is one of Sri Lanka’s leading organisations committed to the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. For the last 30 years, Women In Need has been fighting for gender equality and standing up for human rights for women and girls by campaigning for a violence free society.
Women In Need is a local, non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to addressing issues of domestic violence, rape, child abuse, incest, cyber violence, street harassment and other forms of violence faced by women and girls across Sri Lanka.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower women to break the silence and win against violence, to lead the way to a violence-free society, increase victims coping skills to combat the trauma of violence experienced, and to strengthen them to rebuild their lives.
Our Vision
Our vission Is of a violence free society that values and respects the rights of women and children.
WIN Crisis Centres Across Sri Lanka
Scroll on the map below to find our presence across the island
Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls
Not all wounds are visible.Gender-based violence manifests in many ways from emotional abuse and psychological manipulation to financial control, physical harm, sexual assault, and digital harassment. At its core, GBV is about power, control, and the systemic silencing of women and girls. Recognizing every form of abuse is the first step toward breaking the cycle and creating lasting change.
Physical Violence
Physical force that results in bodily injury, pain or impairment. Acts of physical violence include: slapping, shoving, pushing, punching, beating, scratching, choking, biting, grabbing, shaking, spitting, burning, twisting of a body part forcing of an unwanted substance. Restraining a woman from receiving medical treatment or help causing physical hurt on a woman.
Psychological Abuse
Inflicting of mental or emotional pain or injury to maintain perpertrator’s dominance which may include:
- Verbal abuse, name calling or insult; mocking
- Threats and intimidation of violence towards victims or someone else which includes exclusion, isolation and humiliation
Sexual Violence
A sexual act committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent, which can also include, unwanted comments or advances directed against a person’s sexuality, using coercion by any person regardless of the relationship to the victim. Acts of sexual violence include:
- Rape or other forms of sexual assault
- Unwanted sexual advances or sexual harassment
- Forced exposure or pornography
- Virginity testing
- Female genital mutilation
Economic Abuse
Perpetrators control survivors by controlling their access to resources:
- Transportation
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Insurance
- Finances
Digital Abuse
Cyber harassment or- tech facilitated violence- against women are acts of gender based violence that are committed or aggravated, in part or full, by the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as phones , the internet, the social media platforms and email. Example: sharing embarrassing or cruel content about a person. Impersonation, doxxing, stalking and electronic surveillance, non-consensual use of photography and violent threats.
The Roots of Violence - The Call to Action
Gender-based violence (GBV) is deeply rooted in unequal power dynamics, entrenched cultural norms, economic dependence, and limited legal awareness. Many women suffer in silence, held back by fear, shame, or financial reliance on their abusers. At WIN, we believe real change begins with education, raising awareness, and empowering individuals to challenge and dismantle these harmful systems. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and build a society where every woman lives free from violence and fear.
Together, We’re Making a Difference
Every number tells a story a life transformed, a voice amplified, and a step closer to safety for women and children.
0
k+
Survivors have received support through WIN’s services since 1988.
0
/7
Our confidential helpline offers emergency assistance anytime, day or night.
0
0
Crisis centers located nationwide, providing direct help and essential services.
0
%
