In yet another hurdle being faced by women counsellors working for anti-women harassment centre Gauravi, which was launched by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan earlier this month, its helpline number is receiving calls from men who want to register complaints against their wives.
Earlier, it was reported that even as distressed women from Bhopal as well as other districts flooded the centre since its inception, obscene calls from men was giving tough time to the counsellors present in the centre.
The ‘One Stop Crisis Centre’ was set up in Jai Prakash Hospital with the support of NGO ActionAid, and was inaugurated on June 17 by Union Health and Family welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, actor Aamir Khan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Keeping in view the National Crime Record Bureau’s 2012 report which stated that the state witnesses the highest number of rapes, this centre was started for women who are victims of violence.
They could seek help by directly walking in or by calling a toll free helpline number. Victims of rape, dowry harassment and domestic violence would also get medical aid and help in filing FIRs, taking legal advice and getting psychological counselling.
However, the centre is not able to carry out its agenda efficiently as men in the state are now increasingly making calls to the counsellors claiming to be the aggrieved party.
In the last 48 hours, at least 10 male callers have narrated their ordeal and have sought advice. However, their requests have been turned down.
