Snehitha gender help desks across Kerala have recorded a substantial rise in reported domestic violence and child sexual abuse complaints over the past two years, according to figures released by the Kudumbashree Mission. The network of Snehitha centres, established to support women and children facing abuse, handled 14,867 cases statewide during the period, of which 2,342 related to domestic violence.
Across 14 district centres and their sub-centres, Snehitha received 8,492 complaints in person and 6,375 by telephone. The data shows a clear upward trend: domestic violence complaints rose from 1,139 in 2024 to 1,203 in the following year. General complaints also increased sharply, climbing from 6,375 in 2024 to 7,866 last year.
Snehitha domestic violence reports show year-on-year rise
Reports of sexual offences against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also increased. The number of such cases reported to Snehitha centres across districts rose from 235 in 2024 to 254 last year. District-level data indicate that Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest number of domestic violence and POCSO complaints.
Officials say the Snehitha network operates under the Kudumbashree Mission and was recently expanded with dedicated assistance centres across the state to provide immediate support to survivors. The services include short-term free shelter for up to a week, food, medical attention, legal assistance and rehabilitation support. In addition to in-person help, the centres offer round-the-clock telephone counselling and referral services.
The 24-hour Snehitha centres are equipped to provide safe night-time accommodation for women who must travel alone after dark. Staff at these centres receive specialised training to handle cases of gender-based violence and child abuse sensitively and effectively, and to coordinate with medical professionals, legal advisers and law enforcement where necessary.
Local authorities and the Kudumbashree Mission emphasise that rising numbers may reflect both an increase in incidents and improved reporting mechanisms. The expansion of help desks and greater public awareness campaigns are likely to encourage more survivors to come forward. Nevertheless, the upward trend underscores persistent social challenges and the continued need for prevention, protection and long-term rehabilitation services.
Advocates say that while reporting is a vital first step, sustained investment in shelters, counselling, legal aid and community outreach programmes is essential to reduce incidence and support recovery. The Snehitha model aims to provide an integrated response by offering immediate relief and follow-up care tailored to the needs of women and children.
As Kerala continues to monitor these trends, officials have called for closer coordination between Snehitha centres, healthcare providers, police and child protection agencies to ensure faster response times and better outcomes for survivors. Continued data collection and public reporting will help policymakers target resources where they are most needed and measure the impact of prevention initiatives.
Key Takeaways:
- Snehitha gender help desks in Kerala handled 14,867 complaints over two years, including 2,342 domestic violence cases.
- In-person and telephone reporting were both significant: 8,492 in person and 6,375 by phone.
- Year-on-year increases recorded: domestic violence complaints rose from 1,139 in 2024 to 1,203 this year; POCSO reports also rose.
- Snehitha centres provide 24-hour counselling, short-term shelter, medical and legal aid, and rehabilitation services with specially trained staff.
