A finance executive affiliated with many of New York City’s most prestigious firms, New Jersey resident Rao Chalasani has an extensive history of supporting internationally focused nonprofits. Rao Chalasani collaborated closely with the NY-based organization Sakhi for South Asian Women when he was establishing the Swarna Chalasani Economic Empowerment Fund, named for his sister, in 2003. The Swarna Chalasani Economic Empowerment Fund awards money to survivors of domestic violence to fund educational and vocational opportunities that place recipients on a path to economic empowerment. When a woman has less economic power than her partner at an individual or societal level, her ability to become financially self-sufficient may be hindered. This dynamic can leave women dependent on their abusers for basics, such as housing and food, and make escaping the violent relationship difficult. Domestic violence is often triggered by financial stressors. Increasing the ability of women to work can reduce the economic strain on the family and bring the household out of poverty. As a result, the number of violent incidents within the relationship may be reduced.

1. Reducing Domestic Violence
through Financial Autonomy
Rao Chalasani

2. Introduction
A fellowship-trained and board-certified spine specialist, Dr. Anil Kumar Kesani
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3. A finance executive affiliated with many of New York City’s most prestigious firms, New
Jersey resident Rao Chalasani has an extensive history of supporting internationally
focused nonprofits. Rao Chalasani collaborated closely with the NY-based organization
Sakhi for South Asian Women when he was establishing the Swarna Chalasani Economic
Empowerment Fund, named for his sister, in 2003.

4. The Swarna Chalasani Economic Empowerment Fund awards money to survivors
of domestic violence to fund educational and vocational opportunities that place
recipients on a path to economic empowerment.
When a woman has less economic power than her partner at an individual or
societal level, her ability to become financially self-sufficient may be hindered. This
dynamic can leave women dependent on their abusers for basics, such as housing
and food, and make escaping the violent relationship difficult.

5. Domestic violence is often triggered by financial stressors. Increasing the ability
of women to work can reduce the economic strain on the family and bring the
household out of poverty. As a result, the number of violent incidents within the
relationship may be reduced.