Helplines, Shelters & Support

Women's Helpline (National)

24/7 emergency support for women facing violence, threats, or harassment. Can arrange transport, police coordination, and shelter placement.

All Emergencies (ERSS)

Police, fire, and ambulance. Works from any mobile — even without SIM balance or a SIM card.

Police

Direct police line. State your address clearly and say "I need police assistance immediately."

Childline

For children and teens in danger, or adults concerned about a child's safety. Free, 24/7, confidential.

Elderline

National helpline for senior citizens facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation by family members.

Cyber Crime Helpline

For digital harassment, online blackmail, non-consensual image sharing, and cyberstalking.

National Commission for Women (NCW)

File online complaints about domestic violence, harassment, or rights violations. WhatsApp helpline also available.

File Complaint Online

National Cyber Crime Portal

File cybercrime complaints 24/7. Use "Report Anonymous" for sexual image abuse — no name required.

cybercrime.gov.in

Protection Officer (PWDVA)

Every district has a Protection Officer who can file your DV Act complaint and connect you to a Magistrate. Accessible via 181 or your district court.

Swadhar Greh Scheme

Government-run shelters in every district. Free accommodation, food, legal support, and counselling for women in distress. Call 181 to be connected to the nearest one.

One Stop Centres (Sakhi)

Government centres attached to hospitals in every district. Provide medical aid, police assistance, legal aid, and temporary shelter — all under one roof. No charge.

Short Stay Homes

Run by Ministry of Women & Child Development. Short-term accommodation for women and children leaving violent homes. Contact your district Social Welfare Office.

iCall (TISS)

Free psychological counselling for trauma from abuse. Trained in domestic violence. Mon–Sat 10am–8pm. Confidential.

Vandrevala Foundation

Free 24/7 mental health helpline. Handles crisis situations, trauma, and emotional distress.

SNEHI

Free 24/7 emotional support helpline. Provides crisis counselling and peer support.

iCall Email Support

For those who cannot speak freely on the phone. Email-based counselling, confidential.

icall@tiss.edu

NALSA — National Legal Services Authority

Every person below a certain income threshold is entitled to free legal aid in India. Contact your District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for a free lawyer.

nalsa.gov.in

Majlis Legal Centre (Mumbai)

Founded by advocate Flavia Agnes. Legal counselling and representation for domestic violence, matrimonial rights, and sexual abuse. Pay-as-you-can model.

majlislaw.com

IT for Change

Technology and gender rights research and advocacy. Supports survivors of tech-facilitated gender-based violence in India.

itforchange.net