Stand By Me has been up and running for a while, and it’s all about empowering survivors through selling handmade products like bags, clothes, and curtains. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the survivors, allowing them to gain some financial stability while they continue their journey to recovery.

The initiative was formally launched during an online event, which kicked off with a performance of Ben E. King’s song “Stand By Me,” setting the tone for the message of solidarity at the heart of the project. Parvathy, a founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), shared her personal experience of working with women who are trying to make a difference and change the system.“The first step is to tell the survivor that you believe in them,” Parvathy explained. “It’s so important for a collective to say, ‘We believe you,’ especially when the legal system doesn’t give them the support they need." She also emphasized how important it is to pool resources and create a network of support, not just for justice, but also for survivors to claim the space and livelihood they deserve.

Dr. Astrid Lobo-Gajiwala, a feminist theologian and activist, also spoke at the launch, talking about the challenges survivors face in the legal system. She pointed out how trauma from sexual violence goes beyond physical injuries, impacting victims emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Stand By Me, she said, helps survivors heal while they fight their cases in court.

Dhanya Rajendran, Editor-in-chief of The News Minute, spoke about how survivors often feel forgotten after the initial attention fades. She explained how the legal process is long and draining, and how survivors and their supporters can be left to handle the aftermath on their own. With Stand By Me, however, there’s a support system in place – a WhatsApp group where supporters check in daily, offering emotional support that goes beyond just the legal side of things.