Kudumbasree’s Snehitha gender help desk provides counselling services

A family recently sought out counsellors of Kudumbasree’s Snehitha gender help desk in the district to seek help for their son who had been sexually abused years ago by a relative and was now complaining of feeling unwell and showing lack of interest in studies.

In another incident, a bright teenager approached the help desk after she developed an affection for a youth who was a painter. She didn’t want to disappoint her family or leave the youth. After a bit of digging around by the help desk, it came to light that the youth was a cannabis user, and was involved in the suicide of another girl. A number of counselling sessions were held to help the girl cope with this information, and address her self-esteem and other issues.

The Snehitha gender help desk of Kudumbasree has over the past few years become a reliable option for women and children in distress. Snehitha provides a range of counselling services, legal aid, and short-term stay facility.

Rolled out in 2013 in three districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, the Snehitha network has now expanded to all districts.

In Thiruvananthapuram, the help desk functions at Indira Nagar in Peroorkada. In the period from January to December 2017, Snehitha has provided help in 339 cases. While 160 of those were direct cases, the remaining were received over telephone.

One counsellor, two service providers, and one security personnel are available at Snehitha round the clock, besides one office assistant and caretaker during the day.

Surya S., one of the two counsellors here, says cases of sexual abuse of children are reported frequently, either directly or over phone. Some cases are also reported through the Kudumbasree network such as community counsellors and resource persons.

Cases also come to light during counselling sessions in schools, especially those for adolescents.

Survivors of crimes against children are referred by Childline or the Child Welfare Committee to Snehitha, for counselling and shelter till the children can be moved elsewhere for the long term.

The counsellors conduct field inquiries in many cases to ascertain facts and determine if survivors of violence are safe to return to their surroundings.

Domestic violence and marital discord cases are also reported regularly, for which counselling and legal and other help is provided. Women can also stay at Snehitha if their safety is threatened.

The counsellors conduct awareness sessions on a range of issues, including premarital counselling to help youth understand challenges of marital life better. “The classes help create awareness of issues such as domestic violence, which in turn spurs women to report these on our toll-free number or even return home protection order in hand.”

Parenting classes are also held by the counsellors, besides those on exam fear and stress for students.

One lawyer will soon be posted to Snehitha exclusively to provide legal help in cases.

Follow-ups are a significant part of the aid provided. “Counselling and support often need to be extended for longer periods of time to help people overcome trauma and regain confidence. At times, they call and inform us about their progress,” Ms. Surya says.

For help, call the Snehitha too-free number 1800 425 8855.