India's Red Brigade - in pictures

Members of the Red Brigade walk through the Midiyav slum in the city of Lucknow. The group of young women wear distinctive red and black salwar kameez. Most have been victims of sexual assault, and have resolved to fight back Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Members of the Red Brigade talk in the house of their leader Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Usha Vishwakarma, 25, the leader of the Red Brigade Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Women from the Red Brigade take part in a martial arts training session Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Pooja Vishwakarma, 18, left, a captain in the Red Brigade, during martial arts training. The brigade takes direct action against their tormentors and now when a local man steps out of line, he can expect a visit from the group Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Members of the Red Brigade in a martial arts training session Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Signs and posters produced by the Red Brigade group in the home of their leader Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

With the security provided by the Red Brigade, members feel confident enough to go out and play on swings in a public park in the city of Lucknow Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Nargis, aged 11, the youngest member of the Red Brigade, plays on a swing in a park Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Young women from the Red Brigade walk through the Midiyav slum in the city of Lucknow. Their leader, Usha Vishwakarma, 25, is dressed in white Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer

Usha Vishwakarma, the leader of the Red Brigade Photograph: Gethin Chamberlain for the Observer