How Telangana police’s women safety wing is helping families reconcile, stay together

Hyderabad: When Lakshmi (name changed to protect identity) walked into the CDEW Family Counselling Centre at Kushaiguda police station, she was certain that her marriage was over. After six years together, her husband’s drinking habits and the constant arguments had left her exhausted. She had packed her bags and was ready to leave, but a relative convinced her to try one last thing—counselling at a police-run centre known for resolving marital conflicts.

Over the next few weeks, Lakshmi and her husband attended sessions with trained counsellors. Slowly, the conversations shifted from accusations to understanding.

“For the first time in years, we actually listened to each other,” she said. It wasn’t easy, but after multiple sessions, they decided to give their marriage another chance. Today, Lakshmi says their home is finally peaceful.

She is one of the thousands who have found hope through the Telangana Police’s Centre for Development and Empowerment of Women (CDEW) – Family Counselling Centres.

Inside a CDEW counselling centre

Each CDEW centre is a dedicated space within the local police station premises, designed to provide a calm and supportive environment for those seeking help.

The centres include a reception-cum-waiting area, two private counselling rooms and a kitchen. Unlike the formal, often intimidating atmosphere of police stations, these centres offer a space where individuals and couples can speak freely without fear of judgment.

How couples are counselled at CDEW centre

When a client arrives, they are first greeted at the reception, where basic details are collected and the case is registered in the CDEW system. The case is then assigned to a trained counsellor, who schedules a series of 4-5 structured sessions.

These sessions may involve individual counselling, joint discussions with the spouse or even family interventions, if necessary. To allow time for reflection and progress, a minimum gap of one week is maintained between sessions.

The entire counselling process is designed to be patient-centric, giving individuals the time and support they need to navigate their challenges and make informed decisions about their future.

40 per cent of troubled marriages reconciled

Lakshmi’s story is not unique. With a 40 per cent reconciliation rate, CDEW has helped thousands of couples rebuild their relationships. Since its launch, over 16,000 cases have been resolved, with more than 50,000 counselling sessions conducted across 27 centres in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda.

These centres are open to any individual experiencing domestic conflict—whether it’s due to financial stress, addiction or trust issues. Couples are encouraged to talk, listen, and work towards a resolution with professional guidance.

DG Shikha Goel, director general of police, Women Safety Wing, emphasised the program’s significance, stating, “A strong society begins with strong families, and CDEW ensures that every individual has access to guidance and support when they need it most.”

A compassionate approach to policing

CDEW is not just about resolving disputes—it represents a shift in how law enforcement approaches domestic conflict.

Speaking to NewsMeter, Rema Rajeshwari, IPS, DIG of Police, Women Safety Wing, Telangana, highlighted the program’s broader impact: “CDEW is a groundbreaking initiative that reflects our commitment to compassionate policing. By providing counselling and mediation for domestic conflicts, we are not just solving disputes but also helping families build understanding and resilience. This approach has already made a difference, with many families finding peace and stability. Initiatives like CDEW show how law enforcement and social support can work together to create lasting positive change.”

Why marriages struggle: Key causes of conflict

Data from CDEW centres highlight the major reasons behind marital disputes:

• 63.2% of cases cite alcohol addiction as a primary issue.

• 50% are linked to financial stress.

• 48% stem from suspicion and lack of trust.

• 34% involve external affairs.

Notably, 42 per cent of conflicts arise within the first five years of marriage, often affecting young couples. The majority of complainants fall within the 25–30 age group.

Economic struggles also play a major role

As much as 61 per cent of women seeking help at CDEW centres are unemployed and nearly half of the households involved earn between Rs 11,000 and Rs 30,000 per month, adding financial pressure to existing emotional strains.

How CDEW counselling works

The CDEW Family Counselling Centres provide a structured approach to conflict resolution:

1. Free Counselling: Sessions are led by trained professionals who offer guidance without judgment.

2. Multiple Locations: As many as 27 centres operate across Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda.

3. Legal and Social Support: Where reconciliation isn’t possible, cases are referred for legal action or support services.

4. Comprehensive Approach: Beyond just counselling, the program connects individuals to medical, shelter, and economic assistance if needed.

Centres offer legal protection too

While reconciliation is the goal, CDEW also ensures legal protection for those facing violence. In cases where safety is a concern, 30 per cent of cases resulted in FIRs in 2024, compared to 28 per cent in 2023.

Success stories: Rebuilding lives

For many, CDEW has provided a turning point.

• Lahari, 29, was on the verge of separation due to constant fights. After counselling, she and her husband made changes in their daily lives. “We now spend more time together as a family. I never thought a police station could help save my marriage,” she said.

• Nandini, 27, walked into a centre certain she wanted a divorce. After multiple sessions, she and her husband realised the impact their fights had on their children. “My husband told me, ‘Let’s not fight anymore. Our children need us.’ That changed everything for us.”

These stories highlight how professional counselling, combined with police support, is giving struggling marriages a second chance.

How to seek help

If you or someone you know is facing marital conflict, help is available:

• Visit the nearest police station (Law and Order or Women’s Police Station) and submit a petition.

• Walk into a CDEW Centre at Women Safety Wing Headquarters, Lakdi-Ka-Pul, Hyderabad.

• Email: cdwcenters.wsw@gmail.com for guidance.

• Call: 040-49638510 (Ext: 222) for assistance.

A model for the future

The CDEW initiative aligns with global efforts to promote gender equality and mental well-being, supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being).

As Telangana Police continues to expand this initiative, the message is clear: No one should have to navigate domestic conflict alone. With 40 per cent of marriages finding reconciliation, CDEW is proving that with the right support, relationships can heal, families can stay together, and individuals can find the help they need, when they need it most.