Numerous initiatives helping cops check crimes against women

NEW DELHI: From giving 'Himmat' to Delhi's women, to imparting them self-defence training, Delhi Police has been running several initiatives to curb crime against women. Police said that these initiatives have yielded results, with many accused involved in such incidents being nabbed.

Himmat is a mobile app by Delhi Police that allows women to send distress call to the PCR and their relatives during an emergency. In 2015, Delhi Police received 5,604 SOS calls, while the number reduced by more than half in 2016 to 2,224. This year, 5,028 SOS calls were received by city police.

Over the last three years, 8,662 SOS calls were received from Delhi, while 4,194 SOS calls came from other states and NCR.

Meanwhile, the women's helpline number 1091 received 5.24 lakh calls in 2015. The number reduced to around 4.29 lakh in 2016, while more than received 2.94 lakh calls were received by Delhi Police this year – till November 29.

Delhi Police also pointed out that incidents of sexual assault/harassment of girls often takes place in their homes, educational institution and/or workplace, and is often committed by their relatives, neighbours, friends or acquaintances.

In many cases, the fear of souring family relations and/or social stigma deters victims from reporting such abuse.

In order to encourage girls to come forward and report abuse, South Delhi police started 'Operation Nirbheek', under which officials visit all girls as well as co-ed schools and interact with girl students.

The cops build a rapport with girls, instil confidence among them and encourage them to freely speak out about any sexual abuse they might have gone through or noticed.

Deputy Commissioner of Police and Delhi Police PRO Madhur Verma said that these initiatives have helped Delhi Police rein in crime against women.