Tambaram City Police has set up a counselling centre named ‘Thalaraadha Thalirgal’ in Perumbakkam, as part of a new initiative ‘Perumabakkam Experiment’ aimed at protecting vulnerable children in the resettlement cluster. The centre is designed to provide appropriate care and rehabilitation for children who are victims of sexual offences or affected by drug abuse.
This centre functions from the Block No 30 of Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board(TNUHDB), in Perumbakkam. The centre’s primary objective is to provide psychological and emotional support to the affected children and their families are treated in a safe and respectful manner.
‘Perumabakkam Experiment’ initiative by Tambaram City Police Commissioner Abin Dinesh Modak focuses on crime reduction and providing better livelihood to the people who are living in resettlement tenements.
Mr. Modak said this counselling centre works in close coordination with the District Child Welfare Committee(CWC), the district unit of Social Welfare Department and non-government organisations. It aims to offer a stress free environment and a child friendly approach for the children.
A senior police officer explained the purpose of setting up a such centre said, “We have been seeing the incidents of children are being affected by different kinds of abuse such as sexual or drug in resettlement tenements in Kannagi Nagar, Perumbakkam and Semmanchery.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Vaishnavi said reporting of abuse were initially low, but awareness campaigns have helped children gradually come forward through Child Helpline. “Now we have a centre with good ambience. Any child with any issue can walk in and children who are connected with cases also will be given counselling. There will be follow-up. Additionally NGOs are taking tuition classes in this area and children may come through them to this centre. It is victim centric counselling centre. We expect crime to reduce in the area due to this initiative.”
Police personnel have been trained in standard operating procedures to support victims seeking counselling or other assistance.
Counselling is provided by a senior counsellor from the department of Social Welfare. Post-trauma support is also extended to parents and guardians to help them cope. The centre maintains a child-friendly environment that ensures privacy and safety. Awareness programmes and counselling are provided against drug abuse and sexual abuse.
Tambaram City Police has called on parents, teachers, NGOs and community leaders to participate in spreading awareness about the centre and to refer children in need of protection and support.
“This new initiative underscores that the strong commitment of police department to ensure justice and protection for affected children,”said Mr. Modak.
Published – July 05, 2025 11:41 pm IST
