Special DGP Gurpreet Deo inaugurates ‘Saanjh Relief Centre’ at Jalandhar Civil Hospital today for women victims of violence. Medical Superintendent and Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur, along with other officials were present on the occasion and gave a warm welcome to the Special DGP.
Giving details about the initiative, the Special DGP said that the ‘Saanjh Relief Centre’ launched today is an initiative to enhance collaboration between Punjab Police, Health Department, State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Authority. Elaborating more on the topic, she adds that it includes two counsellors to address cases of violence against women. The centre will be run by an NGO ‘Nayi Shuruat’ (new beginning). The Special DGP highlights how the emergency ward of the Civil Hospital often receives cases of violence against women, but due to the large number of patients, the doctors are unable to provide them with counselling. She adds that this centre has been established to fill that gap and provide counselling to these women.
The victims of domestic violence frequently visit the hospital, but their problems remain unresolved. So now, these two counsellors will assist them and every possible help will be provided to the victimized women. Talking further about the centres, the Special DGP says that already similar centres are operational in Mohali, Fatehgarh and Ludhiana where out of 1000 cases registered, 750 have already been resolved. These included some serious cases such as poisoning. The Special DGP informs that a campaign is underway to help these women regain their independence thorough counselling and support.
These centres are going to function as a team with collaboration from the police and heath departments. She tells that these centres will remain open from 9 AM to 5 PM, where victimized woman visiting the Civil Hospital as well as other women can avail the counselling services. Counsellors will also visit police stations and victims’ homes to follow up and investigate cases.
