Stories
Keralam Police Launches Speak Up Task Force to Combat Domestic Violence
- •The Keralam Police have launched a special task force named Speak Up to tackle domestic violence and support survivors.
- •IG Ajitha Beegam is given special charge of the initiative which offers legal aid counselling and livelihood support.
- •Police officers will contact survivors in plain clothes to ensure privacy and avoid conventional policing stigmas.
- •A central command centre will manage a digital helpline WhatsApp and a dedicated mobile application for quick assistance.
- •The initiative comes in the wake of 92 domestic violence-related deaths in Keralam over the last seven years.
Key Questions Answered
The Keralam Police have launched a special task force named 'Speak Up' to tackle domestic violence and provide survivors with legal, counselling, and livelihood support. Led by IG Ajitha Beegam, the initiative aims to create a safe reporting mechanism for women, ensuring privacy and preventing injustices caused by financial or family fears.
In a departure from conventional policing, police officers will contact survivors in plain clothes after receiving information, and a designated officer will review each case weekly. Additionally, the survivors' personal details will be kept strictly confidential, similar to the provisions under the POCSO Act.
Authorities are considering stringent measures against those convicted in domestic violence cases, including the denial of passports and police clearance certificates.
