Nirbhaya Helpline

Launched in 2014, the toll-free Nirbhaya helpline (18 001 200 020) has empowered girls and women facing gender-based violence in Rajasthan, India. This helpline provides services directly to survivors of any type of violence, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, harassment, rape, and acid attacks. Nirbhaya also offers referrals to other agencies and resources as well as easy access to counsellors who can provide support and solutions.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, the number of women affected by violence gravely increased as they were confined to their homes with abusive partners or families. Some contributing factors to the alarming rise included loss of income, isolation, alcohol, drug dependency, and constricted gender norms. From April 2020 to May 2021, the number of reported domestic violence cases in Rajasthan doubled from 161 to 397.

This prompted Sambhali Trust to create and promote the Nirbhaya helpline. Our crisis management team shares information about the legal rights and services available to survivors and connects them with our in-house psychologist for counseling and emotional support as well as the medical teams in and around the city. We also help locate rehabilitation centres for women who are affected by violence and provide vocational training so they have the opportunity to earn an independent income.

Sambhali also aims to increase awareness about how to access help and support as well as legal rights that women are entitled to through workshops and publicity materials.