Port Blair, May 21: The Govt. of India, Ministry of Women & Child Development has launched scheme for women affected by violence namely ‘Women Helpline-181'. The scheme is being implemented through the Department of Social Welfare. The Women Helpline-181 is functioning at Quarter No. JG-6, Type V, Junglighat near AYUSH Hospital and it provides immediate and integrate assistance to Women in distress round the clock 24hours.

The Women Helpline-181 has been integrated with the National Emergency Response Support System (ERSS 112) having a single emergency number 112 for all kinds of emergency and distress calls which aims to provide a safety and secure environment for women. With the integration of Women Helpline, now, all calls made from a landline or mobile phone connection at 181 are automatically diverted to 112 where details of the caller as well as his/ her grievance are recorded and forwarded to the Women Helpline of Social Welfare Department. The calls received from 112 at the Women Helpline Number 181 are followed up with the concerned Department/ concerned Officers of the Social Welfare Department and also uploaded on the Dash Board of the Ministry of Women and child Development. The case is thereafter followed up on a regular basis till its satisfactory closure.

Any women affected by violence both in public and private space can access the services 24 X 7 by dialling toll free number 181 and landline Number 03192- 230504.