Maneka mulls ‘crisis centres’ in every state, UT by August
Gandhi said the government is very strict on the issue of sex-related crimes against women.
Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi
By August, the government hopes to put in place at least one ‘crisis’ centre in every state and Union Territory which women in distress can approach and seek help from, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said on Sunday.
Interacting with women journalists at the Indian Women’s Press Club on the International Women’s Day, Gandhi said her ministry, besides prodding state governments to build such centres, was planning to use the money in the Nirbhaya fund for the purpose. The Nirbhaya fund was set up in the wake of the December 16, 2012 rape incident to finance programmes for women’s safety.
“These crisis centres are not only for rape victims. These will also be anti-violence centres, so even if one is stalked, or beaten by husband, or even if she is just a victim of oral violence, she can approach these centres and seek help,” Gandhi said.
Gandhi said these centres would be equipped with beds and would have facilities for overnight stay, if the victims needed. She said she had been asking the states to identify land for constructing the building for these centres.
She said her ministry was also preparing a film meant for young girls that would help them in identifying the difference between ‘good touch and bad touch’ and stress on the need to speak out when they feel uncomfortable.
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