In today’s world, where concerns about women’s safety are on the rise, it’s crucial for every woman to be aware of helpline numbers that can provide assistance in times of need.
Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a concerning trend: India registered 31,677 cases of rape in 2021, averaging 86 cases daily. Additionally, nearly 49 cases of crimes against women were reported every single hour, according to the latest government report on crimes in the country.
Comparing the figures, the number of rape cases in 2020 was 28,046, and in 2019, it stood at 32,033, as revealed in the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) ‘Crime in India 2021’ report. The NCRB operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Recent statistics highlight a troubling trend – crime against women increased by 15.3% from the previous year in 2021.
The NCRB report further underscores the severity of the issue, indicating that the number of crimes against women surged from 56.5% in 2020 to a distressing 64.5% in 2021, when measured as incidents per 1 lakh population.
These crimes encompass a range of offenses, including assault with the intent to outrage modesty, cruelty by husbands or relatives, rape, and the abduction or kidnapping of women.
These stark numbers serve as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for accessible helpline numbers and support systems for women in India. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness about these helplines and empowering women to seek help and justice in times of distress.
To empower and support women in India, several helpline numbers have been established. Here, we’ll explore six helpline numbers that every Indian woman should be aware of, either for themselves or to help their relatives in times of distress.
Page Index
Helping Organizations
1. National Commission for Women (NCW)
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a government body focusing on policy matters affecting women. Established in 1992, it operates under the provisions of the Indian constitution.
NCW plays a pivotal role in representing the rights of women and provides them with a platform to combat various forms of exploitation, including religious, political, personal (such as dowry-related issues), and workplace-related issues.
It also advocates for gender equality and equal representation of women in workplaces.
2. Recovering and Healing from Incest (RAHI)
RAHI is a compassionate support center dedicated to women survivors of child sexual abuse in India. They provide a safe space for survivors to heal, find their voices, and rebuild their lives, while also raising awareness and advocating for change in society’s response to child sexual abuse.
3. Multiple Action Research Group (MARG)
MARG aims to empower women by providing legal assistance. Their efforts extend to distressed women and marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, children, the economically disadvantaged, and those from the Dalit community.
Besides legal aid, the organization focuses on legal empowerment through the creation of legal literacy materials and the organization of workshops.
4. Shakti Shalini – Women’s Shelter
Shakti Shalini is a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing shelter and support to women who have suffered abuse at the hands of their husbands, families, relatives, or society.
Their holistic approach includes offering a safe and secure home, fostering companionship, educating women about their rights, providing legal aid, guiding them toward financial stability, and offering professional training for skill development. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy against violence.
5. Socio-Legal Information Centre
The Socio-Legal Information Centre (SLIC) is a registered society and trust that offers free legal aid and conducts legal literacy programs across India.
SLIC collaborates with social movements, NGOs, students, activists, judges, researchers, and lawyers in more than 24 states to make legal assistance accessible to distressed women.
They handle pro bono cases, engage in public interest litigation, and investigate human rights violations across the country.
6. All India Women’s Conference (AIWC)
AIWC focuses on women’s education and empowerment, addressing women’s rights issues in India. As one of the oldest women’s helpline groups in the country, AIWC also runs microcredit schemes for women in rural areas.
The organization has played a significant role in bringing about reforms in important legislation, such as the Hindi Code Bill, Maternity Benefits Act, Devadasi Act, Sarda Act, and Factor and Mines Act.
7. Sakshi, The Violence Intervention Center
Sakshi, headquartered in New Delhi, is a non-profit organization that actively assists victims, including women and children, who have experienced sexual violence. Committed to gender diversity and inclusion, Sakshi conducts research, surveys, and advocacy work for victims, helping women develop life skills and access education.
Helpline numbers for women
In order to help women, provide them with legal aid, and counsel them, there are helpline numbers. Every woman must know about them in case they need help for themselves or their relatives.
| Help Available on | Contact |
|---|---|
| National Commission for Women Helpline | 7827170170 |
| Central Social Welfare Board – Police Helpline | 1091/ 1291, (011) 23317004 |
| Shakti Shalini | 10920 |
| Shakti Shalini – Women’s Shelter | (011) 24373736/ 24373737 |
| SAARTHAK | (011) 26853846/ 26524061 |
| All India Women’s Conference | 10921/ (011) 23389680 |
| JAGORI | (011) 26692700 +918800996640 |
| Joint Women’s Programme (also has branches in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai) | (011) 24619821 |
| Sakshi – Violence Intervention Center | (0124) 2562336/ 5018873 |
| Saheli – A Women’s Organization | (011) 24616485 (Saturdays) |
| Nirmal Niketan | (011) 27859158 |
| Nari Raksha Samiti | (011) 23973949 |
| RAHI Recovering and Healing from Incest. A support center for women survivors of child sexual abuse. | (011) 26238466/ 26224042, 26227647 |
Being aware of these helpline numbers is crucial for women’s safety and empowerment in India. These organizations and helplines provide a range of services, from immediate assistance and legal aid to shelter and support for survivors of various forms of violence.
Remember, knowledge is power, and knowing these numbers can make a significant difference in times of need. Share this information with your loved ones to contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for all women in India.
These helpline numbers are vital resources for women across India. In a time when crimes against women are on the rise, knowing these numbers can make all the difference in seeking help and support during challenging times.
It is essential for every Indian woman to be aware of these helpline numbers and share them with others to create a safer and more secure environment for all. Remember, help is just a call away.
Why These Helpline Numbers Matter?
The alarming increase in crime rates against women underscores the critical need for accessible and responsive helpline numbers.
These helplines serve as lifelines for women facing violence, discrimination, or exploitation. They provide immediate support, legal guidance, and a safe space for women to seek help and justice.
Role of Women’s Helplines
- Immediate Assistance: Helplines like the National Commission for Women Helpline and Shakti Shalini Women’s Shelter offer immediate assistance to women in distress. They can guide women on what steps to take in emergency situations, ensuring their safety.
- Legal Aid and Empowerment: Multiple Action Research Group (MARG) and Socio-Legal Information Centre (SLIC) focus on legal empowerment. They not only offer legal aid but also educate women about their rights and legal options. This knowledge empowers women to take control of their lives and seek justice.
- Shelters and Rehabilitation: Shakti Shalini Women’s Shelter and Sakshi provide safe shelters and rehabilitation services for women who have experienced violence. These organizations work towards not only providing refuge but also helping women rebuild their lives through education, training, and counseling.
The Broader Context
While these helplines play a crucial role in addressing issues concerning women, it’s essential to understand the broader context in which they operate.
India, like many other countries, faces deeply ingrained societal challenges related to gender inequality and discrimination. Women often face hurdles in accessing education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles.
Legislative Reforms
Organizations like the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) have been instrumental in advocating for legislative reforms. Their efforts have led to significant changes in laws related to women’s rights, maternity benefits, and the elimination of harmful practices like Devadasi.
Education and Empowerment
Education remains a powerful tool for women’s empowerment. AIWC’s initiatives in women’s education and microcredit schemes aim to uplift women in rural areas by providing access to education and financial resources.
Gender Equality
In the larger picture, these helpline numbers are part of a collective effort to achieve gender equality in India. While there have been notable strides, there’s still much work to be done to create a society where women can live free from violence and discrimination.
Conclusion:
In a society where women’s safety and empowerment are paramount, knowing these helpline numbers is not just a precaution but a necessity. These organizations are dedicated to supporting women through their challenges and advocating for their rights.
By spreading awareness about these helplines, we can collectively contribute to a safer and more equitable India for all its citizens. Remember, these numbers are not just digits; they are a lifeline for those in need, a beacon of hope, and a promise of justice.
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