Women Helpline
The Women Helpline (181) is a free, 24/7 emergency and support service for women across India. By calling 181, women in distress can get immediate assistance, referrals to police, hospitals, legal services, and One Stop Centres, or information about government welfare schemes. There is no application required — simply dial 181 from anywhere in the country.
About This Scheme
The Women Helpline (181) is a free, 24/7 emergency and support service for women across India. By calling 181, women in distress can get immediate assistance, referrals to police, hospitals, legal services, and One Stop Centres, or information about government welfare schemes. There is no application required — simply dial 181 from anywhere in the country.
Full official description
Women Helpline provides 24X7 emergency and non-emergency response through telephonic short-code 181 to women, by linking them with appropriate authorities such as Police, One Stop Centres, Hospitals, Legal Services Authorities etc. Additionally, it provides information about women welfare schemes and services.The Women Helpline has been integrated with the Emergency Response Support System 112 (ERSS-112) helpline of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Child Helpline (1098). Furthermore, the Women Helpline (WHL) is being integrated with the One Stop Centre Scheme (OSC) and Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW) to refer women affected by violence in need of redressal services.
Benefits
- Immediate emergency response connected to police, hospitals, or crisis centres
- Non-emergency support such as counselling and legal referrals
- Information about government welfare schemes for women
- Referrals to One Stop Centres (OSC) and the Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW)
- Integrated with ERSS-112 (national emergency number) and Child Helpline 1098
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Any woman in distress — no eligibility restrictions
- Any individual calling on behalf of a woman in need is also eligible
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across India
- Toll-free — no charges for the call
How to Apply
The Women Helpline can be contacted through a single universal toll-free number across the country, which is 181
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Women Helpline?
Women Helpline under Sambal component of Mission Shakti intends to provide toll-free 24x7 emergency and non-emergency response to women affected by violence and other distress. It facilitates referral services, linking them with appropriate authorities such as the police, One Stop Centre, and hospitals. Additionally, it provides information about government schemes and programs for women across the country through a single uniform number.
Who can call the Women Helpline?
Any woman in distress or facing difficult circumstances, or someone calling on her behalf, can contact the Women Helpline for assistance.
How can I contact the Women Helpline?
The Women Helpline can be contacted through a single universal toll-free number across the country, which is 18
- Individuals can call this number for assistance, information, or support.
What services does the Women Helpline provide?
The Women Helpline provides a range of services including emergency assistance through ERSS, information on government schemes, non-emergency assistance through OSCs and other institutions for legal support, psycho-social counselling, and empowerment initiatives.
Can I remain anonymous when contacting the Women Helpline?
Yes, you can choose to remain anonymous when contacting the Women Helpline. However, providing some basic information may help the call operators better assist you, especially in emergency situations.
Are the services provided by the Women Helpline confidential?
Yes, the services provided by the Women Helpline are confidential. Your privacy is respected, and information shared during the call is kept confidential unless there is a need to involve authorities for your safety and well-being.
How is the Women Helpline integrated with other helplines and institutions?
The Women Helpline is integrated with other helplines such as 1098 Childline, ERSS 112 and institutions like OSC and more to ensure comprehensive support for women, girls, and children. This integration facilitates seamless transfer of cases for emergency and non-emergency assistance.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.in