Maharashtra Resumes 24-Hour Helpline Service for Women in Distress

The Maharashtra government has decided to revive its 24-hour helpline service in order to give women a safer atmosphere. The independently run helpline number 181 for women in distress will resume operations, according to the state department of women's and children's welfare.

This helpline service will be operated in accordance with the Centre's rules under its ‘Mission Shakti’ project, an integrated women's empowerment initiative financed by the Union government.

Let’s understand how the helpline number will work

When women calls the number, a respondent will immediately forward her message to Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and the one-stop centre — centres where women can visit in case of any incident of violence against them.

The helpline will connect women to the police, fire department, and ambulance services. All emergency services will be linked to the emergency response support system (ERSS).

The 181 helpline, which can also be used to address issues faced by children, will offer counselling and legal help and connect the women to various organisations and companies.

Earlier, the helpline service lacked trained personnel to respond to calls from distressed women and provide them with the quick assistance they needed. Additionally, it is necessary to gather case-related data. The 181 helpline number will therefore be independently restarted, it has been agreed.