Support Services

All districts (14 Nos.) have Women’s Cell and Vanitha Police Stations to look into the grievances of women, regarding harassment against them, neglect, desertion, non- recognition of their rights and even family discords.

Women’s Cell in Police Station

A State Women Cell is functioning at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A Lady Superintendent of Police is the head of the State Women Cell. In addition to this, District Women Cells are also functioning in all Police Districts in Kerala, each headed by a Woman Circle Inspector. They look into the grievances of Women, particularly, harassment against women, neglect, desertion, not recognizing her rights, and even family discords, etc. The Cells are tasked to uphold the right and dignity of Women, and, in appropriate circumstances, register cases against culprits. The Women Cells comprise of Women Officers only. Shortly, the Women Police Constables in such Cells will be provided with scooters for increasing their mobility. Women approach such Cells without any hesitation and fear, and receive free of cost counselling, on various matters. Many-a-time the Women Cells act as interveners and help Women compromise family problems, discords, etc.

In Kerala, there are 17 women cells functioning effectively to fight the atrocities against women in Kerala. Three districts with the metropolises of Trivandrum, Kochi and Kozhikode have two cells each and the rest of the districts one cell each.

Women Desks in Police Stations

Women Desks have been set up in most of the Police Stations of the State, since February 2006, under the charge of Women Police personnel, with an aim to help Women and Children seeking Police help, which they can do without any fear or inhibitions. Cases of atrocities against Women and Children, and harassment of women at home, work places or in public places, come under the purview of the Women Desks. These have proved to be extremely successful.

The Womens Desk in a Police Station is under the control of a WHC/WPC who listens to the complaints patiently and sympathetically, and takes the matter to higher authorities wherever necessary. The Women Desk also provides adequate and proper information to the Women and Children approaching them on various issues relating to the Police work. The Womens Desk is functioning during daytime ie. from 8 AM to 6 PM on all days. This system has been found to be a great success in redressing the grievances of the needy Women and Children.

Petition or grievances can be submitted to the police officers listed below :

1. Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram City, Thiruvananthapuram

2. Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram Rural, Thiruvananthapruam

3. Commissioner of Police, Kochi City, Kochi

4. Commissioner of Police, Kochi Rural, Kochi

5. Commissioner of Police, Kozhikode City, Kozhikode

6. Commissioner of Police, Kozhikode Rural, Kozhikode

7. Superintendent of Police of all districts except Trivandrum, Kochi, Kozhikode

8. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Trivandrum

9. Circle Inspector, Vanitha Cell (Concerned districts)

10. Sub Inspector, Vanitha Police Station (Concerned districts)

11. State Vanitha Cell, Michin Road, Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum

12. Public Window Cell, Police Headquarters, Vazhuthacaud

How to submit a petition to a women’s cell/Police office?

Petition can be submitted on a white paper either written or typed giving full postal address of the petitioner and respondents. It can also be submitted by post.

Important Telephone Numbers

The Jurisdiction of a Women’s cell/ State Vanitha Cell consists in bringing about rapprochement between the petitioner and respondent if the offences are not of a serious nature and in referring the complaint to a police station for registering a case, if the offences involved are cognizable.

Address for filing complaints:
Chairperson
Kerala State Women’s Commission
Vanross Junction, University P.O, Thiruvananthapuram  - 34
Ph. 0471 - 0471-2322590, 2320509, Fax Number - 0471-2320509

Activities

Seminar/Workshops & Research Studies: One of the primary functions of the Commission is to conduct special studies or investigate specific problems arising out of gender discrimination and atrocities committed against women. The Commission also conducts educational research on important women issues and issues in social interest and sectional issues.

Petition Redressal Activities: One of the major activities of the Commission is the periodical conduct of Petition Redressal Forums in all districts of the State. Petitions in respect of a particular district are effectively disposed off in this manner. Such activities are a blessing to many poor petitioners who are unable to personally reach the Commission office in Thiruvananthapuram

Short Stay Home: As part of its venture to rehabilitate the destitute and homeless women, the Commission is running a Short Stay Home in Thiruvananthapuram. The Home provides temporary shelter to women who are forced to flee from their homes on account of matrimonial and domestic problems. Such women are given protection and temporary refuge during the pendency of their cases in the Commission.

Free Legal Aid Cells: A Panel of advocates is giving free legal aid to the petitioners of the Kerala Womens Commission. 

Jagratha Samithis:  With a view to protect the rights of women in the State and for the redressal of atrocities against women, the Govt. of Kerala has constituted District Samithis and Jagratha Samithis in all districts and Panchayats in the State of Kerala.The Jagratha Samithis are a voluntary vigilant group of citizens which act as the eyes and ears of the Kerala Women's Commission. They should play a major role in the prevention of crimes. For instance, if there is any indication of a place being utilized for immoral and illegal purposes; or if any child has been abducted, kidnapped; or if any woman has been forced into prostitution; or cases off violence due to alcoholism, it shall be the duty of the Jagratha Samithi to take up the issue and settle it at the local Panchayat level itself. If the issues require assistance from higher authorities then the Jagratha Samithis should take up the matters at the District Samithi level headed by the District Collector. If at the District Samithi level also the matter has not been settled, then it should be brought to the notice of the Kerala Women's Commission.

Constitution of the Samithis
District Samithis have been constituted with the following members:
1. District Collector  - Chairman
2. District Panchayat - President Member
3. Revenue Divisional Officer -do-
4. District Superintendent of Police/ City Police Commissioner -do-
5. Corporation Mayor/ Municipal Chairman -do-
6. One Lady Lawyer -do-
7. One Woman Social Welfare worker or Councillor belonging to the SC/ST community -do-
8. District Social Welfare Officer - Convener

Constitution of Jagratha Samithis for Panchayats/ Municipal/ Corporation is as follows:
1. Panchayat President/ Municipal Chairman/ Chairman Corporation Mayor
2. Circle Inspector/ Sub Inspector Member
3. One Woman Panchayat Member/ Councillor -do-
4. One Lady Lawyer -do-
5. One Woman Social Welfare worker or Councillor -do- belonging to the SC/ST community
6. ICDS Supervisor (selected by the Convener District Social Welfare Officer)

DNA Tests
Among the numerous cases filed before the Commission, a sizeable majority are those related to paternity disputes. The Commission conducts DNA Tests through the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology to determine and finally settle disputes related to the paternity of children. The Commission conducts such tests @ Rs. 20,000/- per test. However DNA Tests in case of petitioners below the poverty line is conducted by the Commission at its own expense, on proper furnishing of income related certificate. In the case of petitioners belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, these tests are conducted by the Commission irrespective of their income. The Commission has a special fund sanctioned each year to meet the expenses incurred for the conduct of such tests.
Source: Kerala Women’s Commission

Kerala State Social Welfare Board

A total of 33 State Social Welfare Board are functioning in each state capital and union territory of the country with an object to implement various schemes for the welfare and development of women and children through registered voluntary organisations. The State Board is headed by a non-official Chairperson who is a renowned woman social worker of the State. The State Board Members are nominated on the Board by Central Board and State Government in the ratio of 50:50. These Members normally represent each district of the State.

Officers Address & Telephone Nos.
Smt. Girija Surendran
Chairperson
Kerala State Social Welfare Board,
Sasthamangalam, Thrivanthapuram
Ph. 0471 2722258 / 2310520

Activities
Care and protection of  destitute children, aged, disabled and mentally cured persons. It is also running an integrated Child Development Service and supplementary nutrition programme under ICDS programme,  provides health, nutrition & education programmes for women mainly pregnant and lactating women through Anganwadis.

Having Mahila Mandiram in 12 districts, children’s home in one district, 6 juvenile homes in which only one is for girls above 12 years, old age homes in 13 districts, care home for disabled and care home for physically handicapped women in two districts.

Department of Social Welfare

It is intended to provide Social Security and Social defense services to vulnerable sections of the society.  By providing such services, these poor sections, which would be the worst sufferers and the most neglected, would be enabled to improve their living standard.  Social Welfare Department is the nodal department in implementing various schemes of Government of India in Ministry of Women and Child development.  Apart from this, Social Justice and empowerment schemes of NGOs for the welfare of disabled, destitute, women and children are supported by the Social Welfare Department.

The objective of the Department is the overall Care, protection, welfare, development and rehabilitation of children; women; disabled persons; aged and infirm; child in all difficult circumstances; adolescent girls;  ex-convicts; persons released on probation of good conduct; and mentally cured persons unacceptable by their families.  In addition to this, the Department ensures proper implementation of important social legislations like Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2000; Dowry Prohibition Act; Probation of Offender’s Act, Domestic Violence Act etc.

more : http://swd.kerala.gov.in

Officers Address & Telephone Nos.

Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC)

KSWDC functioning primarily as a loan lending unit assisting BPL women in self employment has launched many job oriented skill upgradation training programmes. The  corporation has channelised the loan fund for women belonging to backward minority communities and scheduled caste classes from NBCFDC, NMDFC and NSFDC receptively, whereas funds for the general category are met from the budgetary provisions of state government. Beneficiary contribution forms 5% of the loan assistance.

more: www.kswdc.org

HEAD OFFICE :

Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation,
TC 20/2170, Opp. Manmohan Bunglow,
Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram-03,
Phone : 0471-2727668, 2727669
e-mail: head@kswdc.org

Regional Wing, Thiruvananthapuram :

Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation,
Sunny Dale, Meads Lane, Palayam
University P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-34
Phone -0471-2328257
e-mail: rotvm@kswdc.org

REGIONAL OFFICES :

Ernakulam :
Leon Apartments, 41/404-A, Opp. Saritha Theatre,
Banerji Road, Ernakulam, Kochi-18,
Phone -0484-2394932
e-mail: roekm@kswdc.org

Kozhikode :
Koyapathodi Bunglow, Wayanad Road,
East Nadakavu, P O, Eranjipalam, Kozhikode-06,
Phone -0495-2766454
e-mail: rokkdkswdc@gmail.co

DISTRICT OFFICES :

Kottayam :
Ist Floor, Muncipal Door no. 15/608,
Near Mini Civil Station, Karapuzha, Kottayam.
Phone -0481-2565096

Alappuzha :
M M Building, Kallupalam, Alappuzha,
Phone -0477-2237128

Thrissur :
Variyath Plaza, Marar Road,
Thrissur Round, Thrissur,
Phone -0487-2424593

Kannur :
Working Women’s Hostel Complex,
Pallikunnu P O., Kannur
Phone -0497-2712077

Officers Address & Telephone Nos.

Women's Cell

Women's Cell in the Police department deals with cases of atrocities against women including action against police in case of any laxity in handling cases. The Cell also maintains liaison with women's forums and voluntary organizations and organizes sensitization programmes for police men and women. There are altogether 17 district women’s cells in addition to the State Women's Cell. An Advisory Board is constituted for monitoring and assisting the activities of the cell. Adalaths and awareness programmes are also conducted pertaining to various issues of women.

Kerala State Human Rights Commission has the power to enquire on a complaint filed by a victim or any interested party in favour of victim regarding the violation of human rights in the particular case at any level. After the enquiry the commission has the power to give recommendations to the government against the culprit even for the prosecution or other relevant proceedings. Commission has an investigation team under an Inspector General of Police (IG).
for more: www.keralalawsect.org/human_rights.html

Complaints Committee against Sexual Harassment at Workplace:  After the supreme court guideline on Sexual Harassment at Workplace in 1997, complaints committees has been constituted in about 54 workplaces like government departments and universities. Those who are experiencing workplace harassment can contact their respective institutions.

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill 2006: click here for the details ...

Supreme Court Guidelines on Sexual Harassment at Workplace
These Guidelines are applicable to :

The Supreme Court has defined sexual harassment as:
Any Unwelcome

Preventive Measures to be taken by Employers :

Complaints Committee