BMC to provide free legal help to women

MUMBAI: A civic-run centre which helps victims of domestic violence has launched a free legal assistance facility for women to make them aware of their legal rights.

Two advocates will be present between 2 and 5pm on the first and third Fridays of every month at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation-run Savitribai Phule Gender Resource Center (SPGRC) in Elphinstone, said a civic official. The facility was started with help from the District Legal Aid Services Authority.

There are 11 counselling centres called Dilaasa across the city’s peripheral hospitals. These provide guidance to women who face domestic violence. Women from these centres will also be directed to avail legal aid. Dr Kamakshi Bhate, secretary, SPGRC, said that nearly 5 to 10% cases of domestic violence need legal assistance as their situation doesn’t improve despite repeated counselling given to them and their partners.

“In some cases, women face years of violence. These women will be directed towards the centre for them to understand their legal rights,” said Bate.

Dr Padmaja Keskar, city’s executive health officer, said BMC has undertaken such an initiative for the first time.

“When it comes to domestic violence, even educated women are also not aware of their legal rights. A legal aid centre was of an urgent need,” said Keskar.