A theory of change for community interventions to prevent domestic violence against women and girls in Mumbai, India

The report develops a comprehensive theory of change to address domestic violence against women and girls in urban informal settlements in Mumbai, India. It integrates primary and secondary prevention strategies with community mobilization, counseling, and institutional support. The approach emphasizes creating awareness of gender norms and rights, fostering pro-social community actions, and empowering survivors through legal, medical, and psychological aid. Key interventions include training local volunteers (sanginis), organizing community groups, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders like police and health services.

The theory highlights a feedback loop where successful interventions for survivors build community trust, encourage activism, and catalyze further preventive efforts. This model uniquely focuses on adapting global best practices to the specific socio-economic and cultural challenges of urban India. The strategy links individual and collective actions, ensuring that survivors receive support while the community develops a zero-tolerance stance toward violence. This includes addressing systemic barriers such as poverty, overcrowding, and gendered social norms.

Developed through extensive consultations and field studies, the theory provides a roadmap for testing causal pathways via measurable indicators. It underscores the importance of building community efficacy, expanding social networks, and influencing normative behaviors. Despite potential risks, such as backlash or over-dependence on individual leaders, the approach aspires to sustainable change by fostering collaboration among community members, activists, and institutional frameworks.