Helpline a hit with women

Police claim that they have received 140 calls over past two months

The helpline for women that was introduced by the police two months ago has started receiving good response. The helpline ufffd 26111103 ufffd was initiated by the then police commissioner Satyapal Singh but at the time met with complaints from women's organisations, who claimed the public was not informed about it.

But now the teething troubles are over. Mrudula Karvande, in charge of the social security cell that monitors the calls, said many were aware of the helpline and they had received about 140 calls over the past two months. "Most of them complain about domestic problems. We get calls from young women late at night about eve-teasing," said Karvande.

However, considering the number of rapes and murders of software professionals recently, there has been little response from them.

"We have not received any calls in the last two months from professionals. Most of the calls are from housewives," Karvande said.

Recounting an incident, Karvande said, "A couple of days ago we received a call from a well-to-do family in Pimpri-Chinchwad. A woman was assaulted by her husband and her son had called for help. Within 15 minutes, police reached the spot and rescued her."

Yogeeta Apte, social worker, Asha Foundation, an NGO that helps women suffering from domestic violence, said, "Every month 25 to 30 domestic violenceu00a0 cases are reported. At least 10 of the women say they are facing physical abuse."

It was pointed out to Commissioner of Police Meeran Chadha Borwankar that when a call is made it gets routed to the police station concerned after which a vehicle is sent. This meant the response time was higher.

Borwankar said she would look into the matter. Borwankar also said access to the police control room would be made quicker and easier. "When people call the control room at least 15 seconds are lost listening to the pre-recorded instructions. This is not necessary," she said.