Helpline got 1,214 complaints of crimes against women in Assam

GUWAHATI: '181-Sakhi', a toll-free 24x7 helpline number for women in distress, has received 1,214 complaints for crimes against women in its first 420 days of operation, a report of the helpline service has stated.
The number was opened on March 15 last year and since then, 1,218 total cases have been registered - 1,214 cases of crimes against women, including 30 cases of crimes against elderly women, and four cases under social welfare.
The helpline number has so far received 87,592 calls, out of which 81,916 calls were marked as 'irrelevant, blank and obscene', leaving only 4,476 calls fit for registering an enquiry. Of the total cases registered, 681 were related to domestic violence. The report also mentioned that 62 cases were children-related, out of which 23 were of child marriages and 9 of child sexual abuse (under the Pocso Act).
Centre administrator of the women's helpline, Neelakshi Sarma, said, "Half of the total cases registered are of domestic violence. We respond to the women immediately and provide assistance." Expressing concern that many women appear to be unwilling to follow up on the case after registering, she added, "On many occasions, women who are victims of domestic violence do not want to proceed with the case. Many believe that silently tolerating violence is better than having to leave the house. We have to resort to counselling to make these women understand the importance of speaking up."
"Most of the calls we receive are just for asking questions. These are from women who don't want to register a complaint of domestic violence but want more information on the issue. Another problem we face is when it comes to receiving legal aid. We get very few lawyers who volunteer to provide free legal aid. We need to depend upon the district legal services authority for free assistance," she said.
Among the total cases registered so far, Kamrup (Metro) tops the list with 237 cases and is followed by Kamrup (Rural) with 125 cases. Nagaon registered 101 cases while 68 cases were registered from Barpeta. However, only one case was registered each from Majuli and West Karbi Anglong.
The toll-free helpline, which was officially launched in the state by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on March 30, 2018, is the part of a scheme under the Union ministry of women and child development. The helpline provides emergency response to women in distress who are affected by violence and helps her to represent herself to all state service providers like police, legal services authority, protection officers and counselling centres.
Sarma said that sometimes a complainant has to wait for three to four months to get even interim relief. "There are many things which delay legal support. The woman finds it difficulty in presenting witnesses. This may delay an interim order. However, if the woman is forced to leave the house or her husband and in-laws are threatening her, then she should get immediate legal support."
Sarma, however, pointed out how the helpline service has now made it easier for women to lodge complaints and follow up on the cases. "Earlier a complainant had to run around from pillar to post to complain about domestic violence. But now we represent her and provide assistance. For that, we depend on government agencies. However, there is a lack of awareness about this project. We want every woman in the state to know about this helpline. In case of an emergency, we seek the assistance of the police. They have always been very helpful to us," she said.