Community interventions to prevent violence against women and girls in informal settlements in Mumbai: a theory-driven, pragmatic, cluster-randomised, controlled trial

The study evaluated whether community-based mobilisation could help prevent domestic violence against women and girls living in Mumbai’s informal settlements. The intervention used women’s, men’s, and youth groups along with trained community volunteers to raise awareness, support survivors, and challenge harmful gender norms.

Over 4,000 survivors of domestic violence were identified during the programme, with many receiving counselling and crisis support. Disclosure of violence to support services increased significantly in intervention areas, and community members reported greater awareness and reduced tolerance of domestic violence.