Kochi: A crisis intervention centre for transgender individuals will begin operations in Kakkanad, Ernakulam, on Monday, said minister of higher education and social justice R Bindu in Thrissur.
The state govt has been implementing various projects for the comprehensive upliftment of transgender individuals, considering the importance of areas ranging from education and healthcare to self-employment skill training and marriage financial assistance. However, transgender individuals face various forms of social abuse, discrimination, neglect, mistreatment, physical assault and mental harassment. To address these challenges and provide necessary interventions and mental support, a 24-hour crisis intervention centre will be operational in Ernakulam, the minister said.
The centre aims to alleviate the mental stress experienced by transgender individuals in various crises, including sexual harassment, physical assault, mental abuse, domestic violence and health-related issues, the minister added. The centre will offer a 24-hour helpline number and counselling services. Coordination with various departments, including police and health, will be carried out at the centre, which will also support transgender individuals during emergencies such as natural disasters and epidemics. The centre’s goal is to provide immediate care to individuals in crisis and help them return to normalcy, she said.
In the initial phase, necessary staff, including three counsellors and a coordinator, will be appointed to operate the centre. A 24-hour active helpline number, 1800 425 2147, will be available as soon as the centre begins operations. Preliminary activities to equip the crisis intervention centre as a full-time call centre with modern information technology facilities have also commenced, the minister added.
In previous fiscal years, Rs 24.75 lakh were spent on building renovation works for this purpose. In the current fiscal year, Rs 34 lakh have been allocated for project activities, the minister stated. The centre will be operated by transgender individuals themselves.
Courtesy: Times of India
Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.