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Hyderabad Police Launch Telangana’s First Victim Assistance Unit
Hyderabad, June 18 – In a major step towards strengthening the support system for vulnerable communities, the Hyderabad City Police on Tuesday inaugurated the newly revamped facilities for the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and the Juvenile Bureau/Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU). The event also marked the formal launch of Telangana’s first Victim Assistance Unit (VAU), a pioneering initiative developed in collaboration with Prajwala, a well-known NGO dedicated to anti-trafficking efforts.
Held at the Police Commissioner’s office, the event was attended by senior law enforcement officers, civil society members, child rights advocates, and representatives from Samaya Jyothi, a community-based women’s empowerment platform. The inauguration underlines a significant push by the Hyderabad Police to create an empathetic and resource-rich environment for survivors of human trafficking and children in distress.
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The Launch of the Victim Assistance Unit
The Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) stands out as a first-of-its-kind facility in the state of Telangana. Established through a partnership between the Hyderabad City Police and Prajwala NGO, this unit aims to provide psychosocial, legal, and rehabilitation support for victims rescued from human trafficking networks. It also serves as a safe space where survivors can begin the process of healing, justice, and reintegration into society.
This unit will be manned by trained professionals including psychologists, legal counselors, and victim support officers, all working in close coordination with law enforcement. According to senior officials, the VAU is a crucial step in ensuring that rescued individuals are not retraumatized by the legal process but are instead guided with dignity and empathy.
Upgraded Juvenile and Anti-Trafficking Units
Alongside the VAU, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and Juvenile Bureau (JB)/SJPU have received critical infrastructural upgrades. These bureaus now feature enhanced interviewing rooms, dedicated counseling spaces, and advanced surveillance and monitoring tools. Officials said these upgrades will greatly assist in investigations while ensuring that the rights of juveniles and victims are protected.
The SJPU will play a crucial role in handling cases involving minors, ranging from missing children to juvenile offenders, and will operate in tandem with child welfare committees and NGOs like Samaya Jyothi to ensure that all interventions are child-centric and rehabilitation-focused.
Community Participation and NGO Collaboration
One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the active collaboration between the Hyderabad City Police and civil society organizations. Prajwala’s founder, Dr. Sunitha Krishnan, was present at the launch and praised the efforts of the police department, calling it a “landmark initiative that brings dignity and hope back into the lives of survivors.”
Representatives from Samaya Jyothi, a grassroots women-led collective, were also present to extend support and pledge their involvement in awareness drives, victim outreach, and post-rescue care coordination.
“We believe this model of partnership can become a benchmark for other states. It’s not just about policing but about protecting,” said an officer associated with the project.
TRENDING
Technology and Sensitization
Another highlight of the revamped units is the integration of digital documentation and data-sharing systems to ensure efficient and secure handling of sensitive information. The staff has also undergone special training sessions on trauma-informed policing, gender sensitivity, and child rights.
This approach ensures that law enforcement officers are equipped not just with tools, but also with the right mindset to work in high-sensitivity environments.
Looking Ahead
Hyderabad Police Commissioner lauded the dedication of the team behind the initiative and emphasized the need to replicate such units across other districts in Telangana.
“This is not just a facility—it is a message that the state is serious about its responsibility towards its most vulnerable citizens. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, timely, and trauma-sensitive support,” the Commissioner noted.
With this development, Hyderabad has positioned itself as a frontrunner in rights-based policing, setting a precedent for survivor-centric models across the country.
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