Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) in Arunachal Pradesh has signed an MoU with the Itanagar police unit to jointly operate a counselling centre for trauma victims to be housed in women’s police station in the state capital, a collaboration described as “one-of-its-kind in the country” by the RGU brass.

This initiative will provide refuge and critical psycho-social and legal aid to victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma besides establishing a collaborative framework between capital police and RGU at Ane’s Home, the counselling centre for trauma victims at the women police station, Itanagar, the police said.

The centre has a library/auditorium, fitness centre, children’s room, legal aid clinic, counselling rooms for trauma victims, gym and a cafeteria. It is equipped with all basic amenities required for its operation, the police said.

The RGU, a central university at Rono Hills near Itanagar, will also aim to provide suitable training programmes to build capacity, enhance knowledge and improve the skills of police personnel in handling child sexual abuse and domestic violence cases with a trauma-informed approach, as needed.

Through its volunteers from the Departments of Social Work, Psychology, National Security Studies, and Law, the RGU will provide psycho-social and legal support to victims.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday by Chamrak Arun, APPS, DySP (HQ), capital police, Itanagar, and Dr N.T. Rikam, registrar, RGU.

In a tweet on Thursday, the Arunachal Pradesh chief minister’s office said: “In a joint effort, #RGU & #CapitalPolice have opened a counselling centre at Ane’s Home in Itanagar! This initiative provides vital support for abuse victims & promotes mental well-being. Together, we are building a brighter future, one life at a time, nurturing hope in our community!”