On 22.4.14 Member, Dr. Charu WaliKhanna inspected Mahila Thana, Indore and functioning of women Helpline. The Member interacted with Mr. Neeraj Amrut Pale, DSP, Mahila Apradh, Ms. Jyoti Sharma, IO and other police personnel there to gather knowledge on the functioning of the police station and review safety of women in Indore. The functioning of the thana was satisfactory. On questioning whether the police personnel were aware of the procedure to be followed in cases of sexual assault, and how to coordinate with other stakeholders, Member appreciated the fact that the procedure is being following and the NCW guidelines to police were distributed in all the 41 police stations in Indore as told by the DSP. It was observed that only matrimonial cases are being registered in the police station regarding which the IO informed that it is a central police station for registration of matrimonial cases and the staff of this police station provides assistance to other police stations i.e. in rape cases the statements of the victim are recorded by women police irrespective of jurisdiction. This police station is the only one in the district who have a Mahila Bandi Greh.

Discussions were held regarding effective implementation of the helpline so that women are able to access the same. Police informed Member that the helpline comprises a four digit toll free no. 1091 which is which is operational 24X7, being handled by staff sitting in three shifts and are assisted by counsellors. For example all a woman on facing violence needs to do is dial the toll free no. 1091. She will get the desired assistance including immediate need for medical help, transportation, or shelter. If she requires medical attention then immediately the ambulance (No.108) parked at Mahila Thana will be sent or in the alternative the PCR van attached to the nearest police station will be alerted. A PCR is also available for assistance at the Mahila Thana.

Member Dr. Charu WaliKhanna was accompanied by District Women Empowerment Officer, Indore and joint discussions were also held between police and representative of department of WCD, Govt. Of Madhya Pradesh who shared information regarding shelter home service provider and legal aid. A NGO volunteer Ms. Rajshree Pathak, who herself has been a victim of domestic violence, and stood on her feet with the assistance of NCW is now Counselling victims in the Mahila Thana.

All stakeholders were of the opinion that to make the helpline effective more coordination is required between the different departments and specialized training. Member said that NCW would be willing to collaborate in the process of training and creating legal awareness so that all the service provider coordinate so that the helpline is able to provide effective service delivery. She also suggested that NCW had collaborated in operating of helpline in Gujarat and it is essential to capture “best practices” as well as areas for improvement in operational procedures. She said she hoped that the Indore helpline becomes a model leading to sustainable changes in living conditions and behaviour of beneficiaries. It was pointed out by the police that there is a need to create publicity on the helpline through advertisements so that women become aware of their rights and access the helpline in order to make a difference in their life.

The Member also interacted with women's groups and survivors of violence at the Residency, Indore.

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