NCW Helpline 14490 Launched For Women In Distress
- NCW introduces new 24 7 helpline 14490 to support women facing violence
- Commission says short code will help women get faster and easier help
Hyderabad: The National Commission for Women launched a new short-code helpline, 14490, on Monday to offer quicker and easier support for women in distress. The number connects directly to the Commission’s existing toll free helpline 7827170170. Officials said this move will help women seek help without cost or delay. The Commission noted that this step strengthens ongoing efforts to provide faster support to those facing harassment, violence, or discrimination.
The NCW explained that the helpline will guide callers and work with the concerned authorities to ensure timely action. It urged citizens, community groups, institutions, and partner organisations to spread the new number widely. Officials said this will help more women learn about the support available at all hours.
The Commission added that it receives thousands of complaints every year. These include cases of domestic violence, stalking, dowry harassment, cyber abuse, and other crimes that affect women’s safety. It said many such cases create long term emotional stress for the victims. Therefore, the helpline is staffed with trained psychological counsellors from reputed mental health institutions. The Commission said the team aims to support victims in a structured and safe manner while helping them register complaints.
As the top national body for women’s rights, the NCW works to secure equal rights for women through legal review, policy advice, and enforcement of laws. It also runs awareness programs, legal outreach drives, and digital complaint systems. The Commission further addresses issues such as human trafficking, cyber safety, and challenges faced by women in the North East.
Meanwhile, the National Crime Records Bureau reported nearly 4.5 lakh crimes against women in 2023. The data showed a slight rise compared to the previous two years. It also stated that Delhi remained the most unsafe mega city for women. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.
