GUWAHATI, April 17 - The 181 women helpline has received 3,863 calls from different parts of the State asking for protection from abuse, violence and cyber crime during the ongoing lockdown.
�The calls have increased since the very first day of imposition of the nationwide lockdown. We have been receiving 16 calls more daily in comparison to the normal days. The helpline received 11,988 calls between January 1 and March 23 this year,� helpline manager Neelakshi Sarma said.
�A sharp rise in calls related to domestic violence has been noticed by the helpline. It received 36 cases of domestic violence from different parts of the State. The helpline also came across 19 cases of cyber crime linked to women during the ongoing lockdown, while it was 16 cases from January 1 to March 23 this year that is, before the lockdown came in force,� she added.
Sarma further said many women who are victims of domestic violence and cyber crime are vulnerable during the lockdown also.
�Girls should use social media wisely and they should not share their intimate photos, videos and any kind of personal information with anyone. Otherwise they will become victims of blackmailing and other types of mental abuse,� she said.
The helpline which provides 24-hour immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence, was set up by the State Directorate of Social Welfare.
Moreover, more than 300 calls from people stranded outside the State were received by the helpline. Daily around 12 to 15 calls related to food crisis and other issues were also received.
Other calls received following the lockdown included three for crime against children, three cases for crime against old people and four cases for sexual violence.
The helpline also registered 72 cases during the lockdown with help from the police.
