The Ministry of Women & Child Development, Govt. of India launched a scheme, Women Helpline 181, to support women in distress. The Scheme of Universalization of the Women Helpline is intended to provide 24 hours immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence by providing referrals to appropriate authority such as police, One Stop Centre (OSC), hospital and information about women related government schemes programmes across the State through a single uniform number.

In Tamil Nadu, the Women Helpline (181 WHL) was launched on December 10th, 2018. This helpline is exclusively designed to support women in distress facing violence or threat of violence, both in private and public places, including in the family, community, workplace, etc.

181 Women Helpline (WHL) is a 24-hour confidential service for women and child survivors and victims of any form of violence including domestic & intimate partner. The multi channel helpline is available through dialing 181, email and through online chatting. All calls are free and confidential.

The Helpline offers a range of options and information on common forms of violence against women like domestic violence, types of abuse, laws related to violence against women and government schemes for women and children. The 181 Women Helpline has launched 181 ‘YOU’th Ambassadors program to empower youth to prevent and end violence in relationships and promote healthy relationships.

181 WHL works with the goal to provide

• Immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence.
• Toll-free 24 hour Contact Center services to women affected by violence seeking support and information.
• Facilitate crisis and non-crisis intervention through referral to the appropriate agencies such as Police/Hospitals/Ambulance services/ District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) Social Welfare Office and Supporting Institutions/One Stop Center (OSC).
• Provide information about appropriate support services, government schemes and programmes available to the woman affected by violence, in a particular situation within the local area in which she resides or is employed. (Source: Guidelines of MWCD, Universalisation of Women Helpline Scheme)