Pune: In a bid to strengthen women's safety and enhance the effectiveness of Damini Pathak squads, Pimpri Chinchwad Police , in collaboration with Hope for Children Foundation , District Legal Aid Service Authority, and State Commission for Women, launched Damini Sakhi initiative on Monday. The programme aims to bridge the gap between the community and the police's women-oriented squads by offering enhanced training and support. Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Balasaheb Kopnar, who also oversees Damini Pathaks, said that the Pimpri Chinchwad Police currently has 68 officers in the squad.
"The training provided through this programme will greatly support their efforts," Kopnar said, emphasising the importance of building a stronger connection between the community and the police force. Shakil Sheikh, programme head, Hope for Children Foundation, acknowledged that although Damini Pathak is active, awareness about the squad's services remains limited. "We need to bridge this gap and make Damini Pathak a household name, especially among women across all social strata," said Shaikh.
"Whenever a problem arises, they should be the first point of contact. We also aim to make all the helpline numbers related to women's issues more familiar to the public." Caroline Audoir De Valter, the NGO founder, highlighted the importance of awareness in empowering women.
"We currently run four centres in Dapodi, Bopodi, Talegaon, and Chakan, where we are working to spread awareness. Women n.