Nirbhaya to offer solace to victims of abuse

To prevent atrocities being committed against women and to rehabilitate the victims of abuse, the district panchayat will set up a ‘Nirbhaya Centre’ at Edakkattuvayal.

“The first centre will be set up in Edakkattuvayal,” said district panchayat president Eldhose Kunnappilly at an orientation programme held here on Friday. A project with a total outlay of `1 crore has been prepared and `10 lakh has been set aside for the project this year.

Gender and Child Protection advisor Lida Jacob  presented the details of the programme which will be implemented at the state, district, corporation and village-levels.The Chief Minister and the Social Welfare Minister will be the chairman and the president of the state coordination committee   respectively. The district panchayat presidents will preside over the district committees.

The Nirbhaya scheme focuses mainly on prevention, prosecution and protection. Society will be sensitised about alcoholism, gender discrimination and consumerism.Proper rehabilitation facilities for victims will be arranged and stringent laws will be formulated to ensure rigorous punishment to the culprits.

Focus would be centered on child abuse, commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking, which constitute the worst forms of sexual violence in the state. The programme aims to rid society of consumerism and sexual exploitation. Squads will be formed at the district-level to support and rehabilitate the victims of sexual exploitation which will be led by the officials of the DySP cadre. The squad will comprise social welfare officers, social activists, government representatives, experts in psychology and advocates. Plans are afoot to set up the centres at bus stands, railway stations, airports and near other public service centres.

The services of Nirbhaya will be available at toll-free numbers 1800, 425 and 1400.  Help can also be sought from the police women’s cell at the number 1091, child-line 1098 and women’s helpline at 999539953.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com