The foundation of Mathematics is based on integers, and it is these integers that are the lifeline of the telephone numbers we use today. Just think about life without telephone numbers. Where would we be today if we didn’t have them? They help us communicate, inform, and stay in touch through phone calls and messages. For women, some of these numbers can also provide an extra layer of security. We’re talking about the numerous helplines set up across the country, to ensure that help is on hand whenever women and children need to call in a crisis. Let’s take a look at some of these numbers:
1091: Central Social Welfare Board
This number can be used by women in emergencies to call in and report crimes such as rape, eve-teasing, molestation, domestic violence, theft, and kidnapping, to name a few. It can also be used by women in non-emergency situations, who require serious help and counselling. This number is handled by trained police personnel, and calls are handled with a very serious viewpoint by people who can address the problems effectively. In some states, such as Tamil Nadu, women can also dial the number and request a police patrol vehicle between 10pm and 6am if they feel unsafe travelling alone during those hours.
1291: Senior Citizens Helpline
If older women are facing serious issues, such as being forced out of their own property by children or other relatives, they can call this helpline and register a complaint. This line is specifically for senior citizens, who can also use it in other emergency situations such as abuse and violence. In addition, there is a Senior Citizens App launched by the Government, which comes with an SOS button to make life easier for older women.
181: National Women’s Helpline
This number is a 24-hour boon to women who need immediate, and often urgent assistance. It is compatible with mobiles and landlines across the country. The helpline provides emergency response services and enables rescues for women facing domestic violence and other threatening situations. It is entirely confidential and free. In addition, it also serves as an information hub, if women want information on their legal rights on issues relating to violence.
1098: Childline
Childline 1098 is a toll-free and confidential emergency phone service meant for children across India. A service from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, it is the brainchild of the NGO Childline India Foundation. Children of any age (0-18) from 600-plus districts across the country can call Childline to report any kind of distress. These include victims of abuse and sexual abuse, street children, child labourers, victims of trafficking, abandoned and missing children, those facing substance abuse, differently-abled children, and victims of disaster or calamities. It rescues 400,000 children annually and works on counselling and rehabilitation.
100: Police Control Room
Across India, 100 is the police emergency number, which alerts the police force to a crime. If you’re seeking immediate intervention for a crime that’s being committed or you feel threatened in any way, calling 100 is your point of contact for the police.
Helplines provide women with the much-needed assurance that help is just a call away. They hold the promise or hope of keeping women safe not just physically, but also psychologically and emotionally. Emergency response services are vital, but other services like counselling, referrals, information, and support should not be undermined as well.