more-in Hackathon-2018, a unique campaign to spread awareness on women safety aspects launched by the Chittoor police, is gaining ground in hundreds of villages in the district, with a large number of women attending the gram sabhas being organised by the police officials. The campaign undertaken in Madanapalle, Palamaner, Chittoor and Puttur police sub-divisions will continue till July 8. Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, Superintendent of Police S.V. Rajasekhar Babu said the police officers at the field level were successful in taking the message of the Hackathon even to the remote parts of the district. Gone were the days of looking at the police with suspicion and fear, he said. “In the last six months, due to various awareness programmes on women safety and steps to contain crime rate in the rural areas, there is a gradual change in the mindset of women. They are boldly visiting the police stations to express their grievances. The women and juvenile wing staff are a major plus point in boosting the morale of women victims of atrocities. The regular presence of women cops in rural areas has led to creation of a friendly atmosphere between the police and public,” he claimed. “The short-films depicting the themes on atrocities against women, remedial measures and safety aspects are being screened every day as the campaign proceeds from village to village. We are happy that a large number of women accompanied by their spouses are taking part in the meetings, and several of them could raise questions and doubts on women safety measures,” he said. As part of the Hackathon programme, the Mahila Badratha Committees which were initiated at the village level to bring the crime against women to zero level are now being strengthened with more response from the public. In the last six months, incidences of eve-teasing, domestic violence against women and squabbles among couples has been on the downslide in the district, Mr. Babu said. Meanwhile, reports from Kuppam, Punganur rural, Madanapalle and Palamaner circles said that there was overwhelming response from women to the Hackathon programmes.

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