Malkajgiri Police Conduct Counselling Sessions For Accused In Offence Against Women

Hyderabad: From harassing and stalking to cyber abuse and public harassment, offences against women and children continue to challenge law enforcement. The Malkajgiri police commissionerate on Friday gathered hundreds of respondents involved in such offences for a large-scale counselling initiative aimed at behavioural reform rather than immediate punishment.

The women safety wing of the commissionerate conducted a 'Samskar Mega Counselling Programme' for 760 respondents apprehended by SHE Teams across Malkajgiri, Uppal and LB Nagar zones between January 1 and May 18 this year. The initiative is to create awareness on respectful behaviour, legal consequences and social responsibility while preventing repeat offences.

Malkajgiri police commissioner, B. Sumathi said women deserve dignity, safety and equal respect in society and stressed that harassment, domestic violence, child abuse and crimes against women cannot be normalised. Counselling was intended to help respondents realise mistakes and reform before stricter legal consequences become inevitable, she said.

Police statistics presented during the programme revealed that SHE Teams registered 61 FIRs and 236 petty cases during the period while apprehending 760 respondents. Of them, 137 were minors, 11 belonged to the above-50 age category and 384 major respondents were below 24 years. Highlighting the numbers presented, police described there is as an urgent need for behavioural awareness among youth.

Officials also highlighted the extensive awareness efforts, stating that SHE Teams conducted programmes in 406 educational institutions and public places, reaching over 53,000 citizens on women’s safety, cyber awareness, the Pocso Act and responsible use of social media. Psychologists and legal experts also sensitised participants on emotional control and legal consequences under the BNS, Pocso Act and Information Technology Act.