By PTI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Police is getting ready to impart women with self-defense training to equip them physically and mentally to tackle any harassment or atrocity, as part of which, permanent training centres will be opened in all 14 districts of the state.

Simple and easy compared to conventional martial arts like 'kalari' and 'karate', the police's defense technique is designed in a manner in which women of all ages can learn within a short span of time, said officials.

DGP Loknath Behera said the self-defense skills, imparted at the centres would help women protect themselves from any kind of attack and harassment they face in daily life including on buses and trains, closed spaces such as lifts, ATMs and other public places.

The techniques would also equip them to fight acid attacks, chain-snatching, domestic violence and other sexual assaults, he said in a release.

"Kerala police have already launched Pink Patrol and Pink Beat to equip women against atrocities. We expect a remarkable decrease in incidents of violence against women with the launch of self-defense skills, and by organising mass awareness drives in this regard," said Behera.

A syllabus of 60 hours has been designed for the proposed training centres. Besides defense techniques, it will also include personality training and psychological tips to enhance confidence among women besides awareness on pro-women’s laws.

The police chief said the centres would be set up at a cost of Rs three lakh each in all districts, and a state-level centre will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram.

Under the project, the police department has also drawn up a training-cum-awareness programme centred on schools, colleges, offices and residents' associations.

Around 500 women police personnel have been trained to impart the programme across the state, he said, adding that the training centres are expected to be operational by February end.