NGOs come together, launch directory for women in distress

Mumbai: Alarmed at the increasing levels of crimes against women, NGOs have launched an exhaustive resource directory that lists the contact details of 75 women helplines in the city. Titled '1298 Women's Resource Directory', the detailed guide was released by master blaster Sachin Tendulkar in the presence of Mumbai sheriff Dr Indu Shahani, Dial 1298 For Ambulance CEO Shweta Mangal and Nandita Shah of the NGO Akshara at the HR College in Churchgate on Tuesday. 

    The directory, which will be available in English and Marathi, can be obtained free of cost from Times Response offices across the city and by calling 1298, which is a helpline for women. 
    According to the statistics available with the national crime records bureau, every hour 18 women face violence, harassment and sexual abuse. 
    Dr Shahani said that the directory is an effort to provide easy access to information and assistance to women in distress. "We have received more than 3,000 calls since the helpline started in January. While most of the callers are educated women, we hope to reach out to the uneducated from the lower strata of the society,'' she said. 
    "Domestic violence is not restricted to the poor, it is common among the upper classes too. Women are the backbone of our society. If we see a woman being abused, we must report the incident so that appropriate action can be taken,'' said Tendulkar. 
    On calling 1298, also an ambulance number that can be accessed from a mobile phone as well as land line, women are directed to relevant NGOs which counsel and provide assistance. In case a women needs assistance immediately, the call is diverted to 103, which is the police helpline number. On an average, the helpline receives 20 to 22 calls each day. 
    The NGOs are listed under nine categories based on their location and the primary service they provide. These categories are: support for women in distress, counselling services, short stay homes/women hostels, legal support groups, health support groups, support groups for de-addiction, information and advocacy groups, support for senior citizens and helpline for children. The directory has been compiled by 1298 and Akshara and is supported by the police helpline.

BATTING FOR WOMEN: Sachin Tendulkar and Mumbai sheriff Indu Shahani at the launch of 1298 Women's Resource Directory

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