Kerala Home Minister urges girls to report gender discrimination

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has appealed to girls and women across the state to speak out against discrimination and abuse, signalling the government's commitment to tackling gender-based violence.

Chennithala's remarks follow the Kerala Police's launch this week of 'Speak Up', a specialised task force designed to address domestic violence cases and support survivors. The initiative reflects growing efforts by state authorities to create dedicated mechanisms for combating violence against women.

The task force will provide survivors with comprehensive assistance, including legal support, counselling services, and livelihood opportunities to help them rebuild their lives independently. Police officials have emphasised that the initiative aims to create a safe space for victims to report incidents without fear.

The timing of Chennithala's appeal underscores the government's push to encourage reporting of gender-based crimes. Officials have stressed that enhanced reporting can help identify patterns of abuse and enable more effective intervention by law enforcement and social support agencies.

The Kerala Police initiative adds to existing state mechanisms for protecting women and girls, aligning with India's broader efforts to strengthen legal protections and support systems for domestic violence survivors.