'Quick Response Teams should be set to prevent another Afreen'

Following the death of battered baby Afreen, Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has called an urgent meeting with Women's Commission and Minorities Commission to request the setting up of quick response teams to aid women like Afreen's mother.

"I have convened a meeting with the Minorities and Women's Commissions to suggest preventive measure in cases like Afreen's. In tomorrow's meeting, proposal to set up a quick response team to help such women will be put forth," Nina Nayak, chairperson of Karnataka SCPCR, said.

Women need to know their rights and the facilities available for them, she said, adding that although a helpline is available for women in distress, this is not enough.

"Instead of mass plans, individualised approach needs to taken, and this is where a quick response team would help as the women in distress would see a face and a helping hand instead of an anonymous voice over the phone," Nayak said.

During the meeting, high risk vulnerable areas will be mapped out and programs to educate such women and empower them will also be discussed, she said.

Despite several schemes for minorities and backward communities, women from these communities still find it difficult to report cases, Nayak said.

She said at least 25% girl in Karnataka were married below the age of 18 and were poorly educated, leading to their exploitation. "This can be addressed only with targeted awareness programs and empowerment," she said.

A women's cell in all police stations to deal with such cases are also required, Nayak said.

"Afreen's mother went to the police station twice to record her statement, but was turned away each time. This is terrible and a women's cell should be made compulsory in all police stations to deal with such cases," she said.

Meanwhile, the NCPCR will also hold a meeting to discuss on focused advocacy and trickling down awareness programs to panchayat level, NCPCR member Vinod Kumar Tukkoo said.