Domestic violence is not just physical assault—it is a continuous pattern of behavior used by one person to control another in a relationship. These behaviors can be psychological, financial, emotional, sexual, or digital in nature.

To combat this societal health crisis, governments and NGOs have launched women helpline numbers, ensuring that help is only one phone call away. These helplines function 24×7, offering immediate intervention, rescue operations, counselling, legal support, and more.

In India, the most widely used domestic violence helpline numbers are:

181 – Women Helpline (All India)
1091 – Women Police Helpline
112 – National Emergency Number
7827-170-170 – NCW Helpline

These numbers serve as a lifeline for millions of women.

2. What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence refers to abusive behavior in a family or intimate relationship where one partner uses violence, threats, fear, or manipulation to control the other.

Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005, domestic violence includes:

Physical abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
Sexual harassment
Verbal abuse
Economic abuse
Threats and intimidation

It protects not only wives but also live-in partners, sisters, daughters, mothers, widows, and other women living in a household.

3. Types of Domestic Violence

3.1 Physical Abuse

Involves hitting, slapping, choking, burning, or any physical force.

3.2 Emotional Abuse

Includes insults, humiliation, threats, controlling behavior, isolation from family, etc.

3.3 Sexual Abuse

Forced sexual acts, marital rape, coercion, degrading sexual behavior.

3.4 Financial Abuse

Taking away salary, restricting access to money, preventing employment.

3.5 Digital Abuse

Monitoring calls, hacking social accounts, GPS tracking, cyberstalking.

4. Why Women Don’t Report Domestic Abuse

Many women avoid speaking up due to:

Fear of social stigma
Pressure from family
Emotional dependence
Financial dependence
Fear of children suffering
Hope that the abuser will change
Lack of knowledge about helplines
Fear of police or legal system

Awareness of helpline numbers can change this drastically.

5. Importance of Women Helpline Numbers

Helpline numbers are crucial because:

Immediate help in emergencies
Provide emotional and psychological support
Connect victims to police and protection officers
Help women file FIRs
Provide shelter homes
Offer legal and medical help
100% confidential

Helplines reduce the danger and time it takes to access life-saving support.

6. National Women Helpline Numbers (India)

Below are the most important helpline numbers for women in India:

1. 181 – Women Helpline

For domestic violence, harassment, eve-teasing, abuse, and emergencies.

2. 1091 – Women Police Helpline

Operated by respective police departments.

3. 112 – All-In-One Emergency Number

Police, ambulance, fire—all combined.

4. 7827-170-170 – NCW (National Commission for Women)

24×7 dedicated number to report crimes against women.

5. 1090 – Women Power Line (specific to UP)

6. Child Helpline – 1098

Also used when children are victims of domestic abuse.

7. State-Wise Women Helpline Numbers (India)

(Abridged list — I can provide a full table upon request.)

Delhi: 181, 1091
Uttar Pradesh: 1090
Maharashtra: 103, 181
Tamil Nadu: 181
Karnataka: 1091
Bihar: 181
Rajasthan: 1090, 181
Gujarat: 181
West Bengal: 1091
Kerala: 1091, 181
Telangana: 181
Punjab: 181
Haryana: 1091

Full state-by-state list can be added as a separate section.

8. How the Women Helpline Works

Once a call is received:

Call is recorded and registered
Caller details are taken confidentially
Caller is connected to a counsellor
If needed, police or a protection officer is alerted
Rescue operation may be initiated
A safety plan is created
Follow-up calls ensure the victim remains safe

9. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Call a Domestic Violence Helpline

Step 1: Dial 181, 1091, or 112

Step 2: Describe your situation briefly

Step 3: Share your location

Step 4: Choose between immediate rescue or counselling

Step 5: Stay on the line until help arrives

Emergency tip:
If you cannot speak, stay silent—some helplines detect distress automatically.

10. What Happens After You Call?

A case ID is generated
A counsellor provides support
Police may visit the location
Medical or forensic examination is arranged (if needed)
FIR can be registered
Temporary shelter is arranged
Legal aid is provided
Court protection orders may be issued

11. Rights of Women Under Indian Law

All Indian women have legal protection under:

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005

Provides protection, residence rights, maintenance, custody, and compensation.

Section 498A of IPC

Criminal offence for cruelty by husband or relatives.

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

CrPC Section 125 – Maintenance Rights

Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013

12. How Police Handle Domestic Violence Complaints

Immediate registration of complaint
Medical examination
Arrest (in severe cases)
Counselling and mediation (optional)
Filing charge sheet
Ensuring safety of victim
Coordination with Women Cells

13. Protection Officers: Who Are They?

Protection Officers appointed under PWDVA help victims by:

Filing Domestic Incident Reports
Assisting with protective orders
Providing access to shelter homes
Offering counselling services
Helping with court procedures

14. Legal Procedures After Filing a DV Case

Submission of Domestic Incident Report
Hearing before magistrate
Issue of protection orders
Shelter and maintenance orders
Custody orders (if children are involved)
Compensation for injuries

15. Emergency Safety Tips for Women

Keep your phone charged
Memorize helpline numbers
Keep emergency contacts saved under code names
Store important documents in a safe place
Prepare a “go-bag” with essentials
Inform one trusted friend or neighbour

16. How Technology Helps in Domestic Violence Cases

Mobile apps (e.g., 112 India App)
GPS-based SOS alerts
CCTV evidence
WhatsApp complaints
AI-based threat detection
Online FIR filing

17. Role of NGOs, Shelters, and Support Groups

NGOs play a major role by offering:

Safe homes
Legal support
Counselling
Rehabilitation
Job training
Financial aid

Major NGOs include:
SNEHA, Jagori, Shakti Shalini, SEWA, Majlis Legal Centre.

18. Domestic Violence Cases in India – Statistics

Over 30% of Indian women face domestic violence
Only 1 in 10 seek help
Most common age group: 18–49 years
Lockdown saw a 40% spike in DV cases

(Full statistical tables can be added in the next section.)

19. Common Myths About Domestic Violence

“It only happens in poor families.” — False
“She must have provoked him.” — Victim-blaming
“Marriage is private; don’t interfere.” — Dangerous belief
“If she stays, she must like it.” — Trauma bonding
“Violence is normal in relationships.” — Absolutely false

20. Real-Life Case Studies

(I can add 10–20 case studies on request.)

21. How Family and Friends Can Help a Victim

Listen without judging
Provide a safe place
Help her contact helplines
Support her financially if possible
Encourage documentation of abuse
Accompany her to police or court

22. Domestic Violence Helpline Numbers Worldwide

USA: 1-800-799-SAFE
UK: 0808 2000 247
Australia: 1800 737 732
Canada: 1-800-563-0808
UAE: 971-800-111

23. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are women helplines free?

Yes, all helpline services are 100% free.

2. Are calls confidential?

Yes. Your identity is protected.

3. Can I call for someone else?

Absolutely, anyone can report.

24. Conclusion

Domestic violence is a crime, not a family problem.
Every woman deserves safety, dignity, and freedom from abuse.
If you or someone you know needs help, one phone call can save a life.

Dial 181 or 1091 immediately.
Help is available 24×7.