EMPOWERING DELHI WOMEN WITH 'HIMMAT'

From Women Helpline 1091 to Himmat SOS, the Delhi Police seems to have been making several concerted efforts to ensure women’s safety in the city. Gandharv Walia explores

With the inception of Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC), Delhi Police aims to safeguard the rights of women and children in the capital. Be it domestic violence, matrimonial disputes or sexual harassment, the Delhi Police enquires into all crimes against women with prompt action. Over the years, SPUWAC has witnessed a significant growth. It is now present across all 13 districts of Delhi with a dedicated team, furthering its commitment and objectives. This unit is driven by a robust administrative structure, including special services, such as counselling, mediation and self-defence training.

The unit works with various NGOs, schools, colleges and other agencies to gather insights and spread legal and social awareness about various issues concerning women, thereby, striving to create a more emphatic ecosystem.

The Delhi Police has also taken several other initiatives for the safety and security of women in Delhi.

SASHAKTI

Self defence training programme of 15 days for girls and women. Last year, about 1.98 lakh girl students were given this training in schools.

WOMEN HELPLINE 1091

A 24-hour helpline, 1091, is functional since September 2002 to reach out to women in distress. A separate specialised Women Police Mobile Team is functioning to attend distress calls on this emergency helpline round the clock.

ANTI-STALKING SERVICES

Delhi Police has been effectively dealing with stalkers, who make women uncomfortable by making obnoxious telephone calls and stalking using mobile phones. Women in Delhi complain of such calls every now and then. All distress calls from women are diverted to special antistalking group in CPCR which functions 24x7. This unit deals with the aggressor. The staking calls are referred to the local police in real time.

HIMMAT – PLUS APP FOR SOS

Reinforcing its commitment towards safety of women, Delhi Police has updated the version of ‘Himmat’ mobile safety App, which will allow women to access the driver’s details through the ‘QR’ code. It provides immediate police assistance in the event of any emergency situation.

COMPLAINANTS ARE DEALT WITH RESPECT

Women complainants are handled with respect and sympathy. Complaints made by women are being recorded verbatim as stated by them, preferably by a lady police officer and investigated without any uncalled for remarks or observations by the police officers concerned.

ACTION AGAINST EVE-TEASERS

Beat Officers are being sensitised regularly to take prompt action against eve-teasers, and to follow a zero-tolerance policy in this regard. In view of recurring complaints about eve-teasing, PCR vans are deployed outside girl’s schools and colleges at opening and closing time.

ALL-WOMEN PCR VANS

Five police control room vans have been manned by all women staff, from driver to I/C van stationed at five places, Vigyan Bhawan, Jesus and Mary College, Khan Market Metro Station, American Centre- Kastuba Gandhi Marg and Moti Lal Nehru Marg. Twenty women police personnel have been trained for this job. This service will be extended to other areas prone to crimes against women.

Women Safety and security is a top priority for Delhi Police. Delhi Police has initiated and institutionalised women safety and security measures, such as Shashakti, Himmat Plus, women helpline, anti-stalking helpline and 24x7 women helpdesks, etc, which are paying dividends. Dependra Pathak, Spl. CP/Traffic, Chief Spokesperson, Delhi Police Delhi Police is committed to women safety and in this, we need the support and cooperation of every citizen. Let us hold hands to make our city as safe as we deserve. Sanjay Baniwal, Spl. Commissioner of Police, Women Safety, Airport & Modernisation