MentalHealth – East Godavari Expands Suicide Prevention Campaign Across Schools and Public Institutions
MentalHealth – The Women and Child Welfare Department has stepped up its district-wide awareness programme to encourage students and women facing emotional challenges to seek professional counselling rather than resort to self-harm. The initiative, titled “No Suicide,” is being carried out in educational institutions and government offices throughout East Godavari with a focus on promoting mental well-being and timely intervention.
Campaign Reaches All Mandals
According to Women and Child Welfare Project Director T. Sridevi, the awareness drive is being conducted through the One Stop Centre (OSC) team across all 21 mandals in the district. The programme aims to educate people on several critical issues, including mental health, domestic violence, cyber safety, workplace harassment, women’s legal rights and pre-marital counselling. Officials believe that increasing awareness and ensuring access to counselling services can help prevent emotional crises from escalating.
Counselling Helped Resolve Family Dispute
Sridevi shared an example highlighting the impact of the initiative. A young woman from Rajamahendravaram Rural reportedly attempted suicide after facing pressure from her family over a marriage proposal. Following counselling sessions conducted by the OSC team, discussions between family members helped resolve the disagreement. As a result, the student was able to continue her degree education, demonstrating how timely counselling can positively influence difficult personal situations.
One Stop Centre Provides Integrated Support
The One Stop Centre in East Godavari was established on April 1, 2015, under the Union Government’s Mission Shakti programme with financial support from the Nirbhaya Fund. Since March 2, 2024, the facility has been operating from the Government General Hospital in Rajamahendravaram.
The centre delivers comprehensive assistance to women affected by domestic violence, dowry-related abuse, sexual assault, acid attacks, human trafficking, workplace harassment and honour-related crimes. Officials said the objective is to provide immediate and coordinated support under one roof for women facing different forms of violence and abuse.
Wide Range of Essential Services Available
The OSC offers five key services to women seeking assistance. These include emergency medical care, psychological counselling, legal guidance, coordination with police authorities and temporary shelter with food and accommodation for up to ten days. The department has also added pre-marital counselling to help families and individuals address concerns before marriage through professional guidance and open communication.
Dedicated Team Handles Growing Number of Cases
The centre is managed by a team of 13 trained professionals. The staff includes a Centre Administrator, legal expert, psychosocial counsellor, caseworkers, paramedical personnel, IT assistant, Police Facilitation Officer, security staff and other support employees who work together to assist women in need.
According to department records, the One Stop Centre has received a total of 597 complaints since it began operations. During the last two years alone, 414 cases were registered. These included 343 domestic violence complaints, 12 dowry harassment cases, 34 cybercrime complaints, 10 matrimonial disputes and 15 pre-marital counselling cases. Officials said the figures reflect both the increasing awareness of available support services and the willingness of women to seek help through official channels.
Helpline Services Available for Immediate Assistance
The Women and Child Welfare Department has urged women, children and students experiencing emotional distress or facing abuse to make use of available support services without hesitation. Those requiring immediate assistance can contact the toll-free helpline numbers 181, 1098 and 14416, where trained personnel are available to provide guidance, counselling and connect callers with appropriate support services.