New Delhi, Jun 5 (IANS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday called for "collective action" by states to put in place an institutional mechanism to ensure the safety and security of women and children.

“The … issue which requires our collective action is that of crimes against women and children,” he told the conference of chief ministers on internal security.

The prime minister stressed the need for sensitization of police personnel at police stations with whom the victims come into contact.

“We also need to put in place institutional mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of women and children, particularly in the urban context,” Manmohan Singh said.

“Such mechanisms include sensitization of police personnel, particularly at levels with which the victim comes into contact, setting up dedicated helplines, measures for safety at the work place, and so on.

“I would urge all of you to explore how these outcomes can be best achieved."

The prime minister said several laws had been enacted to provide for stringent punishment to those involved in acts of crime against women and children.