App coming up for women in distress

Those facing violence and abuse can contact the Karnataka State Commission for Women by using their mobile phones

The Karnataka State Commission for Women is all set to launch a mobile app for women in distress.

It also plans to start a WhatsApp forum and upgrade its website to create awareness about “remedies available to women”.

In 2020, the commission received about 2,000 complaints. “Earlier, women would visit our office to lodge complaints, but due to the pandemic, that wasn’t possible anymore,” says commission chairperson Prameela Naidu. Last year, she says, she gave out her personal phone number and email address so that women could reach her without leaving home.

The crisis also sparked the idea of launching an app. Prameela says it will help women from across Karnataka bring their complaints to the notice of the commission.

“Once we receive a complaint, we will arrange for counsellors and also provide legal assistance if need be,’’ she says. The app provides help in case of domestic violence and abuse, and information about welfare projects. It is expected to be ready in two months.