Activist Sunitha Krishnan Rescues 28,900 Survivors, Prevents 18,000 from Sex Trade

Activist Sunitha Krishnan, known for her role in drafting Kerala's Nirbhaya policy, visited the state last week for the Cocon-2025 event. She also interacted with students at UC College in Aluva. Krishnan, a rape survivor herself, has transformed her personal trauma into a mission to rescue and rehabilitate victims of sexual abuse through her NGO, Prajwala.

At Prajwala, Krishnan's focus is on the rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors into society. The organization trains women in skilled professions such as masonry, electrical work, and mechanics, helping them build confidence and become self-reliant. Many of these women have gone on to marry and settle down in life. Krishnan's work has had a significant impact, with Prajwala rescuing 28,900 persons and preventing 18,000 children from entering the sex trade.

The previous government in Kerala had sought Krishnan's expertise in drafting the Nirbhaya policy, which emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration. Krishnan believes that while literacy levels in Kerala may make a difference, the challenges faced by survivors are similar across the country, with a weak support system being a common issue.