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Women Helpline

WHL-181

Published: Sep 2026

3 min read

Published by Navin, Editor · First published: 25 Sep 2026

Women Helpline
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Published by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 17 Oct 2026 · Text from the official listing, not yet reviewed · How we prepare pages

About this women and child scheme

"Women Helpline" provides 24X7 emergency and non-emergency response through the telephonic short-code 181 to women

"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 at a glance

Scheme nameWomen Helpline (WHL-181)
Launched byMinistry of Women and Child Development
Launch year2015
Benefit typeIn kind (goods, services or support, not cash)
CategoryWomen and Child
Level / StateCentral · All India
Official portalmissionshakti.wcd.gov.in

Key facts

Scheme typeCentrally Sponsored Scheme
Scheme forIndividual
Application modeOffline
Last dateNot given in the official listing
DBT (direct bank transfer)No
AgeNo lower limit to 80 years

Who can apply (quick check)

  • 👤Female
  • 🎂Age 0 to 80 years
  • 📝Offline

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

What you receive

  • Emergency assistance.
  • Non-emergency assistance.
  • Information about government schemes and services.
  • Referral services.

Who qualifies

  • Any woman in distress seeking emergency/non- emergency services or information or any other individual on her behalf can connect with the Women Helpline by calling the toll free 181.

Who is not eligible

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Papers to keep ready

  • No documents are required to avail assistance under the scheme.

Registration walkthrough

Offline

  • The Women Helpline can be contacted through a single universal toll-free number across the country, which is 181

Important dates

Launch / start01 Apr 2015

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 181. 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.

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