In an effort to tackle the concerns surrounding women’s safety, the Union Ministry of Women and Children’s Development is set to introduce its 181 Women Helpline emergency number in Tamil Nadu as well. The inauguration for the helpline call centre will take place on Monday in Chennai.
In 2013, the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development introduced its helpline number after the Nirbhaya incident occured in Delhi. In Tamil Nadu, the Department of Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme will be launching the helpline along with the state health department, District Legal Services Authorities and the police department to carry out the functions of the helpline.
National women emergency helpline
The ‘181’ hotline will be staffed round the clock to provide the necessary assistance and security to women. The contact centre for the helpline will be set up at the Amma centre in Ambattur. The Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami will be inaugurating the facility on Monday. People can call the 181
In addition to calling for help during an emergency, women can also use the hotline to get information about their rights. Those facing domestic trouble (dowry harassment), mental health issues, and other issues can also call the helpline for assistance.