Athani

Sponsored by the Central Social Welfare Board and Government of India, Athani is a short-stay home for women in distress, women who have lost the security of their homes, women who have been battered, deceived and abused and also women who have tried to escape from sheer poverty. Medical, legal and psychological help is provided to them in addition to the emotional support that they so badly need. More than being a short stay home, Athani helps them regain their self respect to build their lives anew. As a rehabilitation process some of the inmates go and work outside. Skill development classes are held helping the inmates to face the world with confidence and dignity.

helpline
Attached to Athani, the Women's Help Line, is a new scheme started by the Central Social Welfare Board. Any woman in need of help wherever she is, whatever time it is, and whatever her problem is, can get in touch with Helpline. There are 3 counselors working round the clock to render any help that is needed, be it advice or help in an emergency.

Legal aid
Under the joint auspicies of the State Legal Service Authority and Abhaya a free legal and programme for women was started in Athani. Abhaya' s women’s centre on 30.1.2005. Sri. D. Pappachan, Hon'ble District & Sessions Judge, Thiruvananthapuram inaugurated the programme. The Centre is functioning under the supervision of expert lawyers and social workers and provides free counselling and legal aid to women.