Srinagar, March 19 -- The move has raised serious concerns about the fate of survivors of gender-based violence, who rely on these support structures for justice and rehabilitation.

Established under the Violence-Free Home - A Woman's Right initiative, the Special Cells have been operational since November 2021, providing critical psycho-social-legal support to women in distress.

Implemented by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in collaboration with the J&K Home and Social Welfare Departments, these cells have so far handled over 9,800 cases of violence and abuse.

The uniqueness of these Special Cells lies in their strategic location-within the police stations of each district of Jammu & Kashmir. This ensures that women rece...