4 more Bharosa centres in Hyderabad
Hyderabad:The Women Safety Wing (WSW) is opening four more Bharosa centres in the city to improve its integrated support for women and children affected by sexual offenses. With a rise in Pocso and rape cases in 2024, the new centres will be set up in Mirchowk (Hyderabad), Saroornagar (Rachakonda), Gachibowli and Shamshabad (Cyberabad), with an additional centre planned in Yadadri.
Talking to Deccan Chronicle, DGP Shika Goel, WSW, Bharosa and SHE Teams, said, “The primary objective of these new Bharosa centres is to provide integrated support and assistance to women and children affected by sexual offences. By offering services under one roof, these centers aim to reduce re-victimisation and facilitate immediate access to medical, legal, psychological, and counseling support.”
The DGP explained, “The locations have been identified based on the volume of cases reported and the need for accessible support services in these areas. Establishing centres in these strategic locations ensures that victims across the Tri-Commissionerate have timely access to essential integrated services, thereby bridging existing gaps in support infrastructure.”
Since there is no access to the Bharosa centre for victims of rape and Pocso cases registered with the police stations in Cyberabad and Rachkonda; on an average 1,600 victims per year are not being linked to integrated support services, which are their right as per the Pocso Act and guidelines on supporting victims.
“Effective servicing of cases is not possible for such a large number of cases through the professionals available with one Bharosa centre alone in the tri-commissionerate area,” DGP Goel said.
Emphasising on providing safer spaces to the victims, the centres lend a hand and give confidence to the victims, further empowering them to report without fear. In addition to the existing investigation and prosecution services, the new bases will also be expanding their specialisations in initiatives like on-site medical examinations, legal support, child-friendly courts and dedicated child play areas to create a child-friendly environment.
DGP Goel said that the recruitment was underway for professionals in sociology and psychology, with staff undergoing training in trauma care, legal procedures and counselling techniques.
Talking about the possible impact, DGP Goel asserted, “This will significantly enhance the safety and well-being of women and children in their respective spaces and communities. These enhancements are designed to provide holistic support tailored to the unique needs of each victim. It sure will have an impact on the community.”
