A women’s special care unit which offers services under one roof for victims of sexual assault and violence was inaugurated at the State-run Cheluvamba Hospital here on Saturday.
Minister in-charge of Mysuru district V. Srinivas Prasad inaugurated the unit on the first floor of the hospital.
The unit will function under the supervision of the district administration with support from the departments of women and child development, health and family welfare, police, the Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI) and the District Legal Services Authority, Mysuru.
Equipped with a 24x7, the unit offers emergency services for women in distress, especially for victims of physical and domestic violence and sexual abuse and mental harassment.
A designated doctor, nurse, police officer, advocate, counsellor and a social worker will be part of the unit.
Medical examination, treatment, filing of an FIR, counselling, legal assistance, protection and toll-free women’s helpline are among the services provided at the unit.
Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha, MMCRI Dean and Director Dr. Krishnamurthy and officials from various departments were present at the inauguration.
Sources in the Department of Women and Child Development told The Hindu that six beds would be reserved in Cheluvamba Hospital for the treatment of victims of sexual assault and violence.
Sources in MMCRI said there were plans to construct a separate building to house the unit.
