With scars of a painful past, Bindu signed the file to revive Kerala’s 181 helpline for women in distress

Thiruvananthapuram: With memories of a life that had been scarred, V C Bindu, the managing director of the Women’s Development Corporation, signed that file — not as a victim, but as a survivor. After enduring 13 years of silent suffering, she reclaimed her life with unwavering strength and resilience. Without letting go of that inner courage, she stood tall. Now, the ‘181’ women’s helpline will soon be revived.

She is the daughter of P K Chandranandan, a freedom fighter of the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising. Bindu herself walked out of her home after enduring brutal abuse from her husband. Thirteen years of marital rape, violence and trauma did not break her — they built her. "I am a survivor of marital rape. When he hit my daughter, I didn’t think twice. I walked out of that house. I got a divorce. I found a good job. That’s how I got my life back," she says, her eyes glimmering with pride as she speaks.

It was during the rising tide of news reports on abuse that a deeper reflection began. As statistics grew heavier and more personal, she saw herself in the silent sobs trapped within four walls. That’s when the idea to revive the ‘181’ women’s helpline and make it more accessible and public-facing was born — a door to justice that women could knock on at any hour.

"We will begin awareness sessions in universities, engage directly with women in workplaces, and go beyond merely registering complaints. We will ensure follow-up action until justice is fully delivered," Bindu affirmed.