Women Helpline Scheme

Presently in our country there are more than 7 emergency helpline numbers amongst various categories. If we talk about women specific, there are 2 helplines which are 1091 and 108. The issues with these numbers are lack of centralized system functional across the country, tracing the location of the caller, lack of unified approach, etc.

• To overcome the above issues, Government launched Women Helpline Scheme under universal number “181”.

Objectives of the Scheme

• Provide toll-free 24-hours telecom service to women affected by violence seeking support and information.
• Facilitate crisis intervention through referral to police/ Hospital/Ambulance services.
• Provide information about the appropriate support services available to the woman affected by violence, in her particular situation within the local area in which she resides or is employed.
• Creation and maintenance of a comprehensive referral database by the Helpline within its local area.
• Such schemes must be promoted and awareness regarding the same must be created to ensure its success.