The family struggled to make both ends meet, but the ‘generous’ husband loosened the purse-strings to help anyone who came and complained of the hardships that they faced. When fed up with the ‘philanthropic’ husband, the wife came to know about ‘Snehita’ and approached the gender helpdesk.
Since its launch in the city a week ago, family problems have topped the list of complaints received at the Snehita helpdesk, launched in the city by the Kudumbashree Mission.
If in one case, it is the problem caused by the drunkard husband, in another case the incorrigible husband left no other option for the wife than think of terminating their married life.
In other cases, the much-heard domestic violence would be the reason.
“Over the phone, we try our best to offer advice to many of them. On finding the problems to be severe, we tell them to come to the office and receive counselling,” said a counsellor with Snehita helpdesk.
Meanwhile, there are women who have no proper idea of the services offered by the helpdesk. “They approach us seeking solutions to the cases pending with police stations and financial aid,” said the counsellor.
Some want guidance from the helpdesk on the various facilities available in the city. Whereas, another section, out of sheer curiosity, call the helpdesk just to know whether it functions well!
Before offering solutions to disputes between people, to check how genuine are the complaints, the helpdesk will enquire with the police station in the area from where the complainant comes through the Community Development Society (CDS) in the area concerned.
The office of Snehita here also arranges a short stay in case of an emergency. For instance, if a woman comes to the city to attend an interview, she can stay there, by paying a fixed fee, and also provided she produces a valid identity proof such as voter’s ID, ration card, driving licence and so on. Two rooms are arranged in the office building for this purpose and food will also be provided.
To relax, a library has also been set up on the upper floor.
All those employed in the helpdesk are women, including the counsellors, service providers and security person, the services of whom are available round-the-clock.
Co-ordination of the activities of four districts, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, comes under the city centre and complaints from other districts are managed by the desks opened at Ernakulam and Malappuram districts.
Snehita is also planning awareness sessions in all panchayats to reach out to the masses which will be rolled out after the Onam season is over. The centre was recently inaugurated by Social Welfare Minister M K Muneer. The helpdesk can be reached at 0471-2313661.