Hyderabad: “My son is a changed person. He now goes to college regularly and stays away from absurd acts in public,” said Mr M.D. Haji, whose son was apprehended and counselled by Hyderabad SHE teams.
Like Mr Haji’s, several others, testimonials proved how the SHE team had positively changed the behaviour of eve-teasers apart from cutting down crime against women on the streets.
Launched on October 26 last year, Hyderabad SHE teams completed one year on Monday.
During this year, SHE teams have proved to be effective in countering eve-teasing, street harassment and providing a safe and secure atmosphere for women. Cases were registered for various types of harassments against women including stalking, teasing, passing lewd comments, sending abusive SMS, harassment over Facebook and emails, and public nuisance using bikes and cars near colleges and schools.
To improve the functioning of SHE teams, the government has sent a proposal to bring in an Anti Teasing Act.
“We sent the proposals nearly six months ago. But the decision is pending at the Centre. We are expecting a positive response from them.” said Hyderabad additional CP, Crimes, Ms Swati Lakra. The SHE teams have boosted the morale of city women.
“SHE teams gave me the courage to move around fearlessly and even to stand up for the cause of suffering women,” said Ms Gayatri, who helped women in her area by taking the help of SHE teams. In a bid to improve functioning, SHE teams are planning to create awareness using short films, folk songs and new banners.
Out of 883 complaints received in the past one year, 573 came through Dial 100, 193 on its Facebook page, 63 over email, 37 direct complaints, while 113 complaints were made through the Hawkeye application and 75 over Whatsapp.
In these cases, 281 persons, including 129 minors and 152 majors were caught; 12 cases were booked under Criminal Amendment Act 2013 and 19 persons were imprisoned, 101 were fined, 10 cases filed under various police stations and 126 petty case were registered. Meanwhile, 39 persons were warned and let off.
