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 National women's emergency helpline in Tamil Nadu as well. The inauguration for the helpline’s 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.
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. Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami will be inaugurating the facility on Monday. People can call the 181 number for assistance at anytime.
In addition to calling for help during an emergency, women can also use the hotline to get information about their rights.
A similar call centre to aid women has already been set up in New Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana. While the 24x7 hotline was set up in Telangana in November 2017, the Kerala one was introduced a few months earlier in March of 2017. The facility, dubbed ‘Mitra 181’ was introduced in Kerala and inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on March 27. The helpline was set up following a number of attacks against members of the transgender community and several women who face difficulties when travelling at night alone. Along with the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) the 24-hour hotline was set up.
Those facing domestic trouble (dowry harassment), mental health issues, and other issues can also call the helpline for assistance.