Use helpline in times of distress, women told

Women, who are subject to violence, must make use of the women and child helpline available at all police stations, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime-West) Pronab Mohanty.

Speaking at a workshop organised by Mahila Dakshatha Samithi on increasing instances of rape in recent times in the City on Saturday, Mohanty said a cell had been set up at each station to address problems related to women and children, and they should come forward to speak about these crimes.

“The police and media are blamed frequently in the aftermath of any instances of violence against women. But the police are committed to provide justice without allowing the women to be stigmatised,” he said.

He also advised women who are single and students to take adequate precautions for their safety. “Sometimes, the police face extreme difficulty in instances where family members are themselves the perpetrators of rape. But, all are equal before law,” he said.

Director, Centre for Women Studies of Bangalore University, Bela Zutshi said, “There are instances where the father himself has raped his daughter. What is seen as a haven of safety for women is turning into a hostile place.