'HOPE' for Patna's women in distress

PATNA: Boring Road resident Nitya decided to call it quits after six years of conjugal life when she realized she was in a dead-end relationship with her abusive husband. "I was reluctant to seek help from police because of the stigma associated with a single mom," she says.
Nitya's is not a one-off case, of course. But what if somebody tells you there is still a ray of hope for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, rape and trafficking? Indian Police Service officer Shivdeep Lande appeared to be saying exactly that as he launched 'HOPE 1020: Hope Never Ends' at the Bihar Industries Association auditorium in the city on Wednesday.
A pilot experiment initiated in Patna by Bihar Youth Dialogue (BYD) -- a non-profit organization, 'HOPE 1020' intends to help women if they approach it for help. "We will respond to every case coming to us, and our services will include rescue operation, protection from abuse, counselling, medical aid, employment programmes, childcare services, emotional support and guidance," said BYD's founder-convener Manjit Vishal.
Manjit, who also worked with former President A P J Abdul Kalam, sees 'HOPE 1020' as a a movement for women empowerment . "It will be like the last hope for every damsel in distress or every woman grappling with a sour marriage," he said.
Lande, who was the chief guest at the launch function, explained what '1020' meant. "It's their toll-free number... The young activists of BYD were looking for a number that could be easily remembered by girls and women -- even in times of crisis when they might not be in their proper frame of mind," he said.
All that a 'victim' has to do is to lodge their complaint at 1020. As many as four tele counsellors, to begin with, are at work to take their calls. The BYD's 'workforce' also constitutes a batter of legal eagles and RTI activists. "The calls to us will be toll free. So will be the legal help or, for that matter, whatever we do to ensure justice to the caller," Manjit told TOI.
Lande, known for his pro-active policing of cases pertaining to crime against women, described the BYD initiative as a "perfect example" of young men paying back to their society. "If every individual starts contributing back to the society, most of the issues facing the humanity would be solved," he said while addressing the function.