Policewomen patrolling near school, colleges instilling confidence among Delhi's girls

NEW DELHI: School and college going girls are vulnerable to abuse of different forms, such as anti-socials passing lewd remarks, staff from educational institute harassing them.

Oftentimes, girls do not speak to their parents about said harassment and remain depressed.

To avoid such cases, Delhi Police have assigned women personnel in Shahdara district to patrol areas near colleges and schools on scooters, in order to ensure a safe environment.

According to police, more than 20 women police personnel in over 10 scooters every day visit areas near school and colleges for the safety of the girls.

Before a school or college gets over, these cops reach near the institution to ensure that no girl is harassed. "So far, we have not got any complaint. But the girls are happy to see us near schools and colleges," said a police official.

Whether girls are abused inside or outside the school, they can approach the women police personnel and tell them their problems to get help.

Women police personnel have also stopped the movement of 'roadside Romeos'. Recently, district police arrested men who sexually assaulted a girl in a school in Gandhi Nagar.

The initiative started from November and every day since, a cluster of 20 schools and colleges are being covered by police team in their vehicles.

The initiative is also important to bridge the gap between police and girls, as sometimes girls hesitate to come to police stations.

On seeing women police personnel around their educational institution, it will easier for girls to know more about police and not feel any hesitation in reporting cases.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Nupur Prasad stated that they have started this initiative for the protection of girls and to instill confidence among them.

"It is the first phase and in the future, more women police personnel will be trained for patrolling duties," said the DCP.