Promises to Nirbhaya are forgotten always

THIRUVANANTHAPURA: Whenever there has been a crisis in the state’s first Nirbhaya Home an inmate attempting suicide or a group trying to break out of the home - authorities had unfailingly offered more space and emotional help.

But once the psychological tremors are seemingly under control, promises are conveniently forgotten.

After three girls jointly attempted suicide last November, the Social Justice Department had promised a new facility for the home.

The Home stuffs 40 traumatised victims in a space congested for even 15. In fact, a new facility was identified but the sanction is yet to be given.

After repeated reminders, the executive committee meeting of Nirbhaya was finally scheduled for December 4.

The meeting, which was to be chaired by social justice minister Dr M K Muneer, was called off at the last minute. A new date has not been informed either.

“We have been told by psychiatrists that sexual abuse victims should not be allowed to sleep touching each other,” said P E Usha, the project director of Mahila Samakhya Society, which runs the Home.

“But what can be done when there is no space,” she said. Psychiatrists had earlier stated that the intense crowding of inmates could touch off severe psychological distress among highly traumatised inmates.

Leave alone a new facility, even minor, easily-granted, facilities are not provided to the Home. The Home had asked that a roof be constructed over the terrace so that the girls would get some secure private space to study. Even this had not been done.

The roof could have been used not just for studies but also for dance and drama practice. Some of the students of the home have won top prizes in drama and dance at the district-level school arts festival. “The girls urgently need some breathing space,” Usha said.

Regular psychological services for these children, too, are yet to be provided. The Psychiatric Association of India has offered to help but a formal arrangement has not been firmed up.