1 month ago
Karnataka Opens First Child Legal Services Clinic in Shivamogga
In Shivamogga, Karnataka, a new clinic has opened to help children who have been hurt or abused.
This clinic gives free legal advice and counseling to children and their families.
It is the first of its kind in Karnataka and is run by a team of experts.
The clinic is open on Mondays and Wednesdays and helps children understand their rights and how to testify in court.
The goal is to protect children and stop abuse and child marriages.
People can call special helpline numbers to get help.
Karnataka's first child legal services clinic opened in Shivamogga to help victims of sexual offenses and child abuse.
The clinic offers free legal advice, counseling, and information to children and their families.
Located at the Government Girls’ Children’s Home, it operates on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A five-person committee, led by Tajuddin, oversees the clinic, with lawyers appointed by the District Legal Services Authority.
The clinic aims to protect children's rights, prevent child marriage, and support school dropouts.
- Who
- Children affected by sexual offenses, child abuse, and child marriages in Shivamogga
- What
- Opening of the first child legal services clinic in Karnataka
- Where
- Government Girls’ Children’s Home, Shivamogga
- When
- Started operating on July 9
- Why
- To provide free legal help, counseling, and information to children and their families, especially in light of rising POCSO cases, child abuse, and child marriages
Community Support
Parental Hesitation
Awareness and Utilization
Community Support
The clinic aims to raise awareness about the availability of free legal services for child victims and their families, encouraging community leaders and parents to utilize the service.
Parental Hesitation
Some parents are hesitant to report cases due to concerns about the time and effort required to navigate the legal process.
Key facts
- Location
- Government Girls’ Children’s Home, Shivamogga
- Start Date
- July 9
- Operating Days
- Mondays and Wednesdays
- Operating Hours
- 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Helpline Numbers
- Child Helpline: 1098, Legal Services Authority: 15100
- Committee Head
- Tajuddin, Head of the District Child Welfare Committee
- Legal Aid Lawyer
- Vinita N.S.
Quotes
Vinita N.S.
Legal aid lawyer
“Vinita N.S., a legal aid lawyer, stated that the clinic provides counseling on court procedures, legal rights, and witness protection. She noted that child victims can testify in private court sessions where they don’t have to see the accused directly, which helps reduce their distress.”
thehansindia.com
“Tajuddin explained that many parents are reluctant to report cases because they worry about going back and forth to police stations and courts. The clinic aims to ease those fears and let people know that free legal help is available for children under 18 and their families.”
thehansindia.com






