DISHA’s work is rooted in a fundamental belief: justice must serve everyone, especially those most affected by crime. Our work spans legal intervention, community education, policy advocacy, and rehabilitation, with a focus on ensuring that the rights and needs of victims are never overlooked.

We operate across Maharashtra, prioritizing outreach to rural, tribal, and underrepresented communities, where access to justice remains limited. Through collaborative engagement with legal institutions, state authorities, and community networks, DISHA strives to build a justice system that is inclusive, responsive, and fair.

Access to Justice

We assist victims in navigating the complexities of the legal system. Our legal team ensures individuals receive the right advice, representation, and follow-up throughout criminal proceedings. We work to uphold their right to be heard, informed, and protected.

Key Projects:

Public Interest Litigations (2011, 2013)

Led to the creation and reform of the Maharashtra Victim Compensation Scheme.

RTI-Based Advocacy

Annual data collection to hold authorities accountable and highlight implementation gaps.

Mobile Help Desk

Deployed in 30 police stations to provide legal and psychosocial support.

Police Patil Capacity Building

Strengthening village-level access to justice.

Restoration of Justice in Marathwada

Legal outreach in underserved districts of Hingoli, Parbhani, and Nanded.

Responsive Criminal Justice

DISHA works to shift the focus of the criminal justice system toward victim-centered responses. We collaborate with police, legal services, judiciary, and prosecution departments to build capacities and develop protocols that ensure victims are treated with dignity and sensitivity.

Key Projects:

Victim Rehabilitation Training Module

Adopted by Maharashtra Police.

Police Academy Training

Induction sessions for new recruits across the state.

Directive to Police Units

DISHA’s advocacy resulted in police-wide awareness campaigns for compensation schemes.

Crime Prevention & Awareness

Through legal literacy camps, village-level meetings, and public workshops, we empower communities with knowledge about crime prevention, reporting mechanisms, and legal rights. Awareness is the first step toward protection and accountability.

Key Projects:

Village Awareness Programs

Ongoing sessions for police patils and community volunteers.

Community Legal Literacy Sessions

Events conducted in rural and tribal areas.

Community Centers in Slums

Safe spaces for children and adolescents at high risk of crime or neglect.

Child Protection

Children are among the most vulnerable to violence and exploitation. DISHA conducts awareness drives on child rights, trains stakeholders on POCSO Act implementation, and provides support to child victims and their families through both legal and psychosocial care.

Key Projects:

Badnera Railway Childline

Supported 203 children and trained 1,700+ railway and police personnel.

Children’s Community Centers

Support spaces in slum areas of Amravati, Yavatmal, and Nagpur.

Victim Compensation & Rehabilitation

We work closely with victims to ensure access to compensation and long-term rehabilitation. This includes assistance in applying for state benefits, facilitating access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, and providing mental health support.

Key Projects:

Maharashtra Victim Compensation Scheme (2014, Revised 2017)

Direct involvement in Enactment and Fund Allocation

Restoration of Crime Victims supported by Tata Trust (2014–2020)

Comprehensive rehabilitation in 3 districts.

Restoration of Crime Victims supported by Mariwala Health Initiative (2020–2024)

Multi-year support focused on psychosocial and legal support.

COVID Relief (2020)

Emergency ration kits and economic aid to victims' families.

Livelihood Support (Post-2021)

Goat-rearing initiative for women-headed households