Kerala Police launched the ‘Speak Up’special task force to prevent domestic violence and support survivors
Thiruvananathapuram ,08,2026: The Kerala Police launched “Speak Up”- a high-priority special task force to comprehensively tackle domestic violence and systematically support survivors. Officially sanctioned by the State Home Department, the initiative operates under the direct leadership of IG Ajitha Begum IPS.
Core Purpose and Objectives
The task force serves as an active intervention mechanism to ensure no woman is denied justice due to financial dependencies, social pressures, or fear of retaliation. According to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, the program addresses domestic violence as a “silent killer,” noting that 92 women died from domestic abuse in Kerala over the past seven years while countless others suffer in silence.
The primary functions of the task force include:
• Legal and Emotional Support: Providing survivors with rapid legal assistance and professional counseling.
• Rehabilitation:Securing safe accommodation (shelter homes) and creating livelihood/vocational training opportunities
in partnership with local self-government bodies.
• Proactive Monitoring: Collecting domestic abuse data from police stations on a daily basis to initiate fast-tracked legal action.
Unlike standard legal procedures, “Speak Up” is structured to feel accessible, safe, and confidential—comparable to confiding in a trusted family member or friend.
To maximize survivor safety and privacy, assigned police officers will make contact wearing plain clothes rather than formal uniforms.
Similar to the strict provisions under POCSO laws, the identity and personal details of the survivors are kept completely confidential.
Assigned officers personally monitor the legal, counseling, and livelihood progress of individual cases on a weekly basis.
A central command center equipped with a digital helpline, dedicated WhatsApp channel, and an exclusive mobile app handles rapid complaint registration. Survivors can also reach out via the primary helpline number, 1091.
Punitive Measures for Offenders
To create a strong deterrent, the Home Department and task force leadership are considering severe administrative penalties for individuals convicted in domestic violence cases. This includes the strict strategy of denying passports and Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) to proven offenders, effectively restricting their employment and travel opportunities abroad.
