Cricket is a sport loved and played by men and women in Australia and India. But both countries struggle with high rates of domestic violence.
The issue affects one in three women at all levels in society in India according to Oxfam, and ABS data released in November revealed 16 per cent of Australian women have experienced partner violence.
This week, the Australian women's cricket team took time out from their tour of India to visit a domestic violence support centre in the western state of Gujarat.
Several centres have been set up around the region. They provide counselling and guidance for victims and are linked to local police stations.
The visit came about through Cricket Australia's community action program Cricket Cares which aims to use the sport as an agent for change. The program has links with charitable partners including the McGrath Foundation along with disaster relief efforts and broader community work.
Elyse Villani recieves a traditional welcome to the women's support centre Source: Cricket Australia
Wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy said she learnt a lot about what some of the women in the centre have been through, as well as the growing push for equality in India.
"It was obviously a great learning experience about the women's movement that's happening over here and how they're trying to better empower women," Healy said.
Top Indian cricketer Mohammad Shami was last week charged with domestic violence following a complaint by his wife and dropped from the national team. The fast bowler has denied the allegations.
Julia Thekkudan works for the organisation which runs the shelter. She said she was grateful the Australian players took an interest in the centre and made time to pass on some encouragement.
"There were certain tips that the women [players] gave to the women as to what they could do in their lives differently, what they should not settle for and what they could aspire to," Ms Thekkudan said.
The Australian women's cricket team's ODIs and T20 matches wrap up on 28 March.
