An MPV could be any woman who is socially committed towards empowerment of women and girls, willing to raise her voice against gender based violence and support the police in creating a gender just society free from violence.
The MPVs will be chosen by the Home Department of the concerned State/UT through the Superintendent of Police of the district. The MPV will directly report to the Circle Inspector in the Police Station.
A woman nominated as an MPV shall be entrusted with the task of acting as a link between the police and the society on gender concerns. MPVs will as act as a facilitating link between the citizens and the police.
During the course of her work, she shall undertake the following activities:
- Create awareness of the existing services available for women and children for example, One Stop Centers (OSC), Short Stay Homes, Shelters, Police Helpline 100, Women’s Helpline 181, Child line 1098, and Mobile Application for Emergency (Himmat App).
- Inform the police personnel about any unpleasant behaviour or untoward incidences against women and girls in the community.
- Act as an additional intelligence collection unit of the area regarding all issues pertaining to women in that area–spotting of new and suspicious arrivals in the village; information about missing women or children of the area; substance abuse and deviant behavior among school children and college students.
- Report incidences of missing children, violence against women such as domestic violence, child marriage, dowry harassment, trafficking and any other form of violence faced by women in both public and private spaces. Incase of missing children, or child abuse cases,MPV shall immediately call up 1098 and inform police
- Mobilize and facilitate Mahila aur Shishu Rakshak Dal (MASRD) preferably of 10- 12 members (similar to “Shaurya Dal” – A community led initiative to curb violence against women and girls in Madhya Pradesh). MASRDs may comprise of local leader, Sarpanch/ward member/Resident Welfare Association member, Teacher, Social Worker, SHG member, Counsellor, Local Media representative, Frontline Workers (ASHA, AWW)/ Community /Youth volunteers to act as Community Watch Groups. The concept of MASRD and procedure for formation of these groups is given at Annexure I. In addition, the existing groups working in the community on women empowerment issues may be integrated with MASRDs.
- Mandatory visit of the local Anganwadi Centre once in a week on the day when the ANMs and Asha workers also visit the Anganwadi. This will facilitate building partnerships and provide a platform to meet women.
- Familiarize herself with the existing awareness generating websites/portals such as www.wcd.nic.in and resources related to informational/educational material for sensitizing women/girls and children.
- Conduct one-to-one meetings, home visits, community meetings, Focus Group discussions to build confidence among women, families and peer groups to approach the Local Police, Women Helpline and One Stop Center in times of need.
- Establish linkages with Protection Officers under “The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005” at district/ block level for convergence and coordination.
- Tie-up and be in constant touch with the other stakeholders on women’s and children’s issues–the police station concerned especially the women police personnel posted there, ANMs, ASHA workers, women homeguards, NSS, NCC, Mahila mandal workers, women’s collectives, SHGs, Mahila Samakhya (wherever available).
- Participate in meetings on Village Health Nutrition Day (VHND), Village Health Sanitation Nutrition Committee (VHSNC), Gram Sabhas, Special Gram Sabha, Mahila Gram Sabha on regular basis for better convergence and coordination on issues affecting women in these forums.
- Engage and provide suggestions and feedback to the local administration and police about improving access to services and other related information.