NGO Visit- Tharuni & Bharosa Centre

Objective:

This event aimed at understanding the support systems available for survivors of abuse by visiting two key institutions. Tharuni is an NGO that helps girls affected by abuse through counseling, education, and skill development. The Bharosa Centre is a government program that offers support, including legal aid, medical care, and psychological counseling for women and children in need. These visits aimed to gain insight into how the efforts of NGOs and public institutions help in the recovery and empowerment of abuse survivors.

Outcome:

The visit to Tharuni and Bharosa Centre offered us valuable real-world exposure to the systems supporting women and child survivors of abuse. It enhanced our empathy, raised awareness of gender-based issues, and deepened our understanding of how NGOs and government institutions function in crisis response and rehabilitation. The experience also helped us develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, while reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Report

Shakti visited an NGO, namely Tharuni along with a government established program called Bharosa centre. The visit took place on 30th July, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to gain a deeper understanding of the support systems available for girls who have experienced various types of abuse.

As part of this initiative, we went to Tharuni NGO, a group that helps young girls heal and become stronger. They offer safety, therapy, and an opportunity to reintegrate into society in a respectable manner. We saw the incredible work being done to support girls who have experienced trauma during our visit to Tharuni. The staff's kindness and concern were what most impressed us. Every girl there is viewed as someone who can start over rather than just as a victim. In addition to housing the girls, Tharuni offers them emotional support, legal aid, and vocational training to help them become self-sufficient again.

The event started with a warm welcome from Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta (who along with her mother Dr. Hemalatha Devi had started the NGO) and the girls there. The girls are taught skills like sewing, stitching and bangle making. These skills and activities help them come out of the trauma they suffered. They not only make these items but also put them up for sale at a reasonable price.

After a brief introduction, we educated the girls on various topics like menstruation hygiene, physical hygiene and good touch & bad touch. We also encouraged them to speak their mind and not be afraid of anything. We were advised not to take their pictures to protect their identity, safety, and dignity. Many of them are still minors and confidentiality is crucial to ensure their emotional and physical well-being.

After the address, we had an art activity where they had to make anything they wanted on a piece of paper and then collectively come up with an idea for a bookmark. The talented youngsters came up with numerous creative ideas.

The girls collaborated with their friends as well as our team to come up with beautiful designs for the bookmarks. We played songs and sang in the native language along with them. The activity was fun-filled and engaged all of them in bringing out their ideas and creativity on a piece of paper. After finishing the activity, we also interacted with them and had a dance party.

At the end of our visit, the young women tied Rakhi made by them to the males of the team. Tharuni has a firm rule of not accepting male visitors onto their shelter grounds, for sheer respect for the emotional wellbeing of the girls. Most of these survivors have been subjected to traumatic abuses at the hands of men, and an unfamiliar male presence can act as a strong catalyst, provoking anxiety or distress. This precaution guarantees that the surrounding environment is a secure and safe haven where the girls can concentrate on healing without intimidation. But in our encounter, something wonderful happened—the girls were freely talking and interacting with the male members of our group without inhibition or unease. This change in attitude said a lot about the progress they had made. It was a strong reminder that healing, when cultivated in a secure, supportive setting, can rebuild trust even when faced with the deepest trauma. To see them laugh, question, and speak openly in front of men reminded us of the level of progress they had achieved—not only in healing, but reclaiming their feeling of safety and confidence.

As a token of appreciation, our Faculty In-Charge of Shakti, Dr. Ridhi Rani Ma’am, presented memento to Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta, thanking her for the impactful work and for taking the time to share her experiences with us.

After spending some time at Tharuni, we proceeded to the Bharosa Centre, founded by the Hyderabad City Police which functions as a one-stop crisis support facility for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other traumatic experiences. The centre operates on a victim-centric model by offering multiple services under one roof to ensure ease of access, safety, and dignity.

During the visit, the Bharosa team briefed us on their integrated services. These include legal aid, where victims receive legal guidance and support in filing FIRs and navigating court procedures. The centre also provides medical assistance, including first aid, forensic examinations, and medical referrals. In addition, trained professionals offer psychological counseling to help victims cope with emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma. A dedicated team of sensitive police officers handles each case with confidentiality, offering legal protection and prompt action. One of the most impactful features is the Child-Friendly Courtroom, where child victims can testify in a safe and non-intimidating space. The courtroom is designed with calming interiors and follows the guidelines under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, making it more comfortable for children to share their experiences.

A key strength of the Bharosa Centre lies in its ability to coordinate effectively with multiple government and institutional departments, such as the Department of Women and Child Welfare, Legal Services Authority, Medical and Health Services, and Child Welfare Committees. This strong inter-agency collaboration ensures victim receive timely and holistic care—ranging from legal protection and counseling to shelter and rehabilitation. By working together, these departments eliminate delays and streamline the recovery process for every individual who seeks help.

In addition to its support services, Bharosa also engages in awareness and outreach programs across schools, colleges, slum communities, and workplaces. These campaigns aim to educate the public on topics such as gender sensitization, sexual abuse prevention, legal rights, reporting mechanisms, and available support services. Bharosa builds awareness and promotes a culture of safety, dignity, and responsibility in society.

We also received an insightful orientation on SHE Teams, a special initiative by the Hyderabad City Police aimed at ensuring women’s safety in public spaces. These teams work in civil dress to monitor public areas, prevent harassment, stalking and eve-teasing incidents. They act promptly based on direct observation or public complaints received through WhatsApp and social media or their 24×7 helpline. Along with enforcement, SHE Teams also conduct sensitization programs to build respectful behavior in communities and raise awareness about safety laws and resources.

This visit provided us with a comprehensive understanding of how institutions like Bharosa and SHE Teams function not only to respond to cases of violence but also to prevent such cases through coordination and education. We saw firsthand how police personnel, legal advisors, counselors, and social workers collaborate to support victims with empathy and efficiency.

As a token of appreciation, our Faculty In-Charge of Shakti, Dr. Ridhi Rani Ma’am, presented memento to the Bharosa team and the SHE Team, thanking them for their impactful work and for taking the time to share their experiences with us,

This visit inspired us deeply and reaffirmed our commitment as members of the Shakti Committee to contribute actively toward awareness, safety, and social responsibility in our own communities.

Conclusion:

This visit to Tharuni and Bharosa Centre gave us a profound learning experience. We saw how healing environments and systemic support can transform the lives of survivors. The commitment and care shown by individuals working at both institutions inspired us deeply.

As members of the Shakti Cell, we left with renewed purpose—to advocate for safety, raise awareness, and shoulder social responsibility in our communities. The visit strengthened our resolve to continue working toward creating a more empathetic, informed, and empowered society.