24x7 helpline to be launched soon for women in distress

Coimbatore: Women in distress will no longer have to run from pillar to post to get assistance as the central government is set to launch a helpline number, 181, soon. In Tamil Nadu, the helpline will initially be launched in five districts - Coimbatore, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Salem and Pudukottai – before it is extended to other districts.
“It is going to be a one-stop centre (OSC) for women in distress. They do not need to reach out to multiple sources to get assistance as they are doing now. Rescued victims of violence will be provided shelter for four to five days along with legal, medical assistance, and counselling,” said an official from the social welfare department, which is implementing the project.

“The women helpline will do what the child helpline, 1098, does for children. It will be a centralized toll free number and calls will be routed through Chennai to the respective districts. It is expected to be launched in a week,” the official added.

In Coimbatore, a facility is established at Poo Market to implement the project. “A four member team of social workers is selected to address the grievances of callers from the city round the clock,” the official said.

To take the project to the public, the department has been conducting awareness campaigns in government schools for the past two months. “We are campaigning in rural areas too,” the official said.

Commenting on the project, district secretary of the All India Democratic Women Association (AIDWA) A Radhika said, “The move will be helpful to women in distress only if it addresses the grievances of the callers.” She pointed to recent instances of violence against women and how officials failed to take action even after complaints from victims or families.