Have you been a warrior for justice, a defender of the weak, a helper to the destitute or a friend to those in need?
In a small community in North-west Delhi live a group of young girls who have been all of this to their community members. Their community, which is stigmatised by prevailing issues of domestic violence and sexual abuse, fondly call them ‘Dons’.
Their journey as defenders of the abused and vulnerable began in 2013, when World Vision India facilitated a special training workshop on self-defence techniques along with the Delhi Police. This 15-day workshop is conducted periodically twice or thrice every year to train young girls and women in self-defence.
While learning self-defence emboldened these young girls, it has taken them a step forward to becoming guardians of their community.
Through World Vision India’s work in the community, these young girls, passionate about bringing justice in their community, identified certain cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse and theft which required police intervention. Having learnt self-defence under the guidance of the police, they bravely took these cases to the notice of the local police and helped bring justice to the victims.
In one instance, there was an attempt of rape on a teenage girl in the community. Although the girl was saved by people around, the accused remained on the loose. This group of girls immediately reported the case to the police and an FIR was filed. Soon, the accused was caught and sent to jail.
In another case, a 12-year-old girl was subject to domestic violence. People in the community barely knew about her because she never stepped out of her home. When this group was informed about the case, they promptly reported it to the police. The parents were sentenced to one year imprisonment and the girl has been sent to a child care home.
These girls, truly guarding their community from harm and danger, have reported over 25 cases in the last two years.
And their dedication to fight for justice hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Four of these young girls are now enrolled with Delhi Police in their new initiative, involving civilian volunteers – called ‘Police Mitra’. Delhi police launched this initiative in November 2016, and ever since, have been roping in ‘responsible’ citizens as police mitras (friends). Civilians who have a good social record and are active in dealing with social issues are identified by police. Once identified, they undergo an interactive session with local police officers, their records are checked and then they are enrolled as ‘Police Mitra’.
“All of us are fighting for justice because we ourselves have dealt with injustice and struggles” said Vandhana, as her courageous face was gently perfected with a smile.
Like she rightly pointed out, all these girls in the group have been through uncomfortable pasts. While some of their fathers left their mothers and walked away, some of them have been mistreated in the community.
Shweta, who was widowed a few years ago, said she could never step out of her house alone because she was afraid of being mistreated by men.
I realised if I learn self-defence I can step out boldly and protect myself.
Shweta is now actively engaging with women and children in the community to deal with issues like domestic violence and abuse.
I see that men always misbehave with women. I want to fight against this and self-defence has emboldened me.21-year-old Varsha
It isn’t only the girls, however. 22-year-old Gopal from the community has also been enrolled as a Police Mitra. His role is to counsel boys against abusing and mistreating girls.
The girls and Gopal have also been in contact with Child Welfare Committee and Child Line to help deal with issues regarding children.
Everyone in our community knows us. If there is any issue, they contact one of us.Varsha
(Mridula is the Communications Associate at World Vision India. She has previously worked in Times Now. She is a specialist in development journalism, child rights and caste and religion in India. Mridula studied TV journalism from Asian School of Journalism, Chennai.)
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