Long after the abolishing of sati pratha, women in India continue to burn. Mostly at the hands of inlaws and husbands. Sometimes they are burnt with cylinders or in tandoors, at other times they are beaten mercilessly. More often they are punched, slapped and left black and blue. These women do not come from rural areas or lower echelons of society alone. They dwell in our neighbourhoods, wear high heels and work in posh offices. Sometimes they even earn more than their husbands.
The reasons they give are multiple. Dowry, neglecting the house, disrespect towards family, a refusal to abort, addictions/greed of the spouse and many more.
The statistics are humbling. Every minute two women are raped in this country. Every sixth hour, one is found beaten or burnt to death. These are government figures. We live in a country where such crimes more often are not even reported for fear of shame and societal rebuke.
The way women are brought up in india, the gender bias is evident from when they are concieved up until the time they are a pile of ashes. In such scenarios they come to expect inequality. They deal with it as best as it is possible. At times they dont even realise that they are being subject to abuse until the water is above their heads.
Signs you are in an abusive relationship:
- Your partner yells at you
- He forces sex on you
- Your husband has a volatile temper and beats you up
- He destroys your belongings
- The man threatens to kill you
- Threatens to take your children or kill them
- Makes a scene in public to humiliate you
- Takes your money from you
Even though it may be evident that the woman in question is in an abusive relationship, she chooses to stay. At this juncture she needs to be asked “why are you in the relationship!”
1. The most common cause is fear.
The victim generally stays because the fear of leaving is greater than the fear of staying. Harm to the children, suicide or murder are the primary consequences that come to the victims mind whenever the thought of leaving occurs.. It’s a sad statistic, but 75% of women who are killed by their partners are murdered during or after an attempt to leave the relationship.
2. She thinks there is love and the possibility of change : The abusers are generally good at potraying guilt and asking for sympathy after they are done with outbursts. They will even blame the victim for the outburst in a gentle manner and the victim feels an obligation to love and care for the abuser.
3. Children are involved : The woman is trying her best to give her kids the benefits of a complete family.
4. Financial dependence : of the victim
5. Fear of isolation: The victim fears that their family and social circle will definitely not approve of the situation.
6. Factor of guilt: The victim honestly believes that they are worthy of the punishment since they are the ones who provoked the violence.
If you are in such a relationship or know someone who is, please help them. The abusers are not likely to change without psychological help or counselling. In the event that the relationship has turned extremely violent, the victim may need proper counselling to get out of the relationship with minimum trauma.
1. Help is available – There is online counselling available for those who need to keep their identities anonymous.
2. Ngo’s offer help to victims who are in life threatening situations. These ngos are more easily accessible in cities compared to rural areas. These organisations help the victims with rescue, first aid, medical assistance, telephonic counselling, police support and legal services. They also conduct awareness programs and help women with training rehabilitation and empowerment.
Resource directories
Following are some of the organizations that offer counselling services for women facing violence:
Domestic Violence Helpline In Cities
Bangalore
Vimochana
33/1-10 Thyagraj Layout, Jaibharath Nagar, Bangalore 560033
Tel. : 080-25492783
streelekha@vsnl.net
Hengasara Hakkina Sangha
# 1024, 38th cross, 25th main, 4th T block, Jaya Nagar Bangalore -41
Tel. : 080-26639884
hhs@bgl.vsnl.net.in
Kolkatta
Swayam
9/2B Deodar Street
Kolkata 700019.
West Bengal
Tel. : 91 33 2486 3367/3368/3357
swayam@cal.vsnl.net.in
Gujarat / Kutch
Kutch mahila Vikas Sanghatna
11, Nutan Colony, Bhuj, Kutch Dist – 370001
Tel. : 02832 – 222124/223311
kmvsbhuj@gmail.com, preetinbsoni@gmail.com
Abdasa Mahila Vikas Sanghatana
Shiddheshwar Nagar, Bhind Post Office, Naliya Kutch, 370001
Tel. : 028314 – 222165
Ujas Mahila Vikas Sanghatana – Mundra dist
Sadou Road, KVK Campus, Mundra, Kutch
Tel. : 02838 – 223104
Centre for Social Justice – Bhuj
10, Meghmaya, Shardha Society ,
Bhuj, Kutch
Tel. : 02832 – 223441
csjkutch@rediffmail.com
Vadodara
Olakh – A space for women
A Feminist Documentation Resource and Counseling Centre 8-A, Nivruti Colony Opp. Jila Talim Bhavan, Karelibaug. Vadodara.
Tel. : 0265-2486487, 2466037
Jaipur
Vishakha
9 Pratap Nagar, Near Glass Factory
Tonk Road, Jaipur
Tel. : (0141) 517 2422
Vividha
Mahila Salaha Evam Surakshan Kendra (south), Gandhi Nagar, Mahila Thana, Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur.
Tel. : 0141-5172435
vividha_2001@yahoo.com
Vividha
Mahila Salaha Evam Surakshan Kendra (North), Mahila Thana (North, Dhabai Ji Ki Haveli, Hawa Mahal Road, Jaipur.
Tel. : 0141-5172008
Madhya Pradesh – Bhopal
Sangini – gender resource center
G 3 / 385, Gulmohar Colony,
Bhopal 462039
Tel. : 0755- 4276158
sanginicenter@rediffmail.com
North East – Meghalaya
Voluntary Health Association
Opposite ‘Iarisa Cottage, Upper Nongrim Hills,
Shillong – 793003
Tel. : 0364-2522834/2522835 (Office) bj1975@rediffmail.com, vhamegh@rediffmail.com
Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei
Tel. : 0364 – 2504233/ 2220595
Uttar Pradesh – Lucknow
Sahayog
A-240 Indira Nagar, Lucknow 226016, UP
Ph- 91-522-2341319, 2310747
Humsafar
“Support Centre For Women”
27, New Berry Road (near times of India) Lucknow- 226001IAL 1298
Pune
Susamvad – Sakhi – Helpline
B1 Seema Apt, Shirole Path, Opp. Fergusson College Main gate, Pune – 4
Tel. : 9520 – 25448400/25538434
Asha Sanstha
Action for Self reliance Hope and Awareness Vishrmbag Police Station, , Farasakhana Building, 3rd Floor, Bhudhwar Chowk,
Pune – 411002
Tel. : 9520 – 24484535
ngoasha@gmail.com
Nari Samata Manch
473,Sadashiv Peth, Pune – 411030
Tel. : 9520 %u2013 24473116
nsm@pn3.vsnl.net.in
Masum
Masum Sanchalit Sanvad, Family Counselling and Guidance Centre – Malsa Kant Society, Saswad, Taluka – Purandhar, Dist Pune
Tel. : 02115 – 222969
Swadhar
C/o Niwara Devid sasun Anath Pangu Graha,
96, Navi Peth. Pune – 30
Tel. : 9520 – 24533452
swadhar@rediffmail.com
Chetna Mahila Mandal
13, Gururaj Society, Bhosari, Pune- 411039
Tel. : 9520 26610516
jyotipathania@yahoo.co.in
Maher
Bhima Koregaon, Vadu Budruk, Taluka Shirud, Dist Pune %u2013 412216.
Tel. : 952137 252174
maheropn3@vsnl.net.in
Shramik Mahila Morcha
101, Shivajinagar, Pune05.
Tel. : 9520-25533560, 25534652
M-09422530186
R- 24452053
Aks Helpline Numbers: 8793088814 to talk to our volunteers anytime.
For legal advice, call: 8793088815
For psychological counselling, call: 8793088816.
Women’s Organisations In Delhi
Sakshi Violence Intervention Center: (0124) 2562336/ 5018873
Shakti Shalini: 1091/ 1291 (011) 23317004
Shakti Shalini Women’s Shelter: (011) 24373736/ 24373737
SAARTHAK: (011) 26853846/ 26524061
All India Women’s Conference: 10921/ (011) 23389680
Jagori – A Women’s Organisation
C-54 South Extension, Part Two, New Delhi.
Tel. : 91 11 2669 1219, 91 11 2669 1220.
jagori@jagori.org
Action India
5/27A, Jangpura – B, Behind Rajdoot Hotel,
New Delhi 110014
Tel. : 91 11 24377470 / 24374785
actionindia@vsnl.com actioni@hotmail.com
Tarshi
11 – Mathura Road, 1st Floor, Jangpura B, New Delhi 110014
Tel. : 91 11 24379070 / 24379071
tarshi@vsnl.com
Shakti Shalini
6/30-B, Lower Ground Floor,
Kargil Park Lane, Jangpura B,
New Delhi 110014
Tel. : 91 11 24373636 / 24373736
shakishalini@mantraonline.com
Rahi Foundation
RAHI Foundation ,M 50 Chitaranjan Park
Ground Floor, New Delhi 110019
Tel. : 011-40536176
rahifoundation@gmail.com
Joint Women’s Programme (also has branches in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai: (011) 24619821
Organisations in Mumbai
Women’s centre
104 B, Sunrise Apartment, Nehru Road,
Vakola, Santacruz (East), Mumbai 400 055.
Tel. : 26685997
womcentr@vsnl.com
Maitra Helpline
Shri Ganesh Darshan, 9th floor, IPH, L.B.S. marg, Opp Maharashtra Flywood Centre, hari Niwas Circle, Naupada, Thane (W).
25433270/ 25366577
Special Cell for Women and Children
office of the commissioner of police, Police Head Quarter,
Room no – 36, A block, Gate no 5,
Opposite Crawford Market, Mumbai 400 001
Tel. : 22620111 Extn: 206
rc_vaw@tiss.edu
Special Cell for Women and Children
Dadar Police Station, Bhawani Shankar Road,
Shaitan Chowky, Dadar (W)
Mumbai – 400 028
Tel. : 2494 0303 Extn: 181, 24691681
Special Cell for Women and Children
Kandivali Police Station,
Swami Vivekananda Road, Opp. Shatabdi Hospital,
Kandivali (W), Mumbai – 400 067
Phone: 24691753
Special Cell for Women and Children
C.B.D. Belapur Police Station,
Sector – 1, Opp. C.B.D. Belapur Bus Depot,
Navi Mumbai – 400 614
Phone: 2758 0255
Sneha (Society for Nutrition Education & Health Action)
Urban Health Centre Dharavi Mumbai – 17
Tel. : 24042627 / 24040045
Sakhya %u2013 Women Guidance Cell
The Image – 1st Floor, Nirmal Naka, Nalasopara, Taluka – Vasai, Dist %u2013 Thane
Tel. : 95250 – 2471540
mcfhi@vsnl.net
Sakhya Women Guidance Cell
Thane Civil Hospital – Ground Floor
contact person – Ms. Jyoti – 9224642560
Awaz E Niswan
151, Princess building, flat – 13, first floor,
R. Bhatt Marg, Opp. J J hosp, Mumbai – 3
Tel. : 2375840/ 23758462
niswan@vsnl.net
Awaz E Niswan
Rehnuma Library Centre
Darulfala Building, 1st floor,
C Wing, Room No. 102,
Mumbra, Kausa – 25490038
Stree Mukti Sanghatana
Shramik, Royal Crest
Lokmanya Tilak Vasahat
Road No. 3. Dadar (East)
Tel. : 24174381
Stree Mukti Sanghatana
Family Counselling Centre, Near Matoshri Ramabai Ambedkar Marternity Home, Ramkrishna Chemburkar Road, Chembur Naka, Mumbai %u2013 400 071
Tel. : 25297198
Stree Mukti Sanghatana
Family Counselling Centre, Sector %u2013 3,
Cidco Communication Centre,
Near Vashi Police Station, Vashi.
Tel. : 27821564
Swadhar
Keshav Gore Smaarak Trust,
Arye Road, Goregaon (W)
Mumbai 400 062
Tel. : 28720638
Aasra
A 4, Tanwar View, CHS
Plot 43, Sector 7, Koparkhairane,
New Mumbai 400701
27546669
Dilaasa
Dept. No. 101, Opp. Casualty,
K.B. Bhabha Hospital,
Bandra (W), Mumbai-400 050.
Ph. 26400229 (Direct)
26422775 / 26422541 Extn. 4376 / 4511
dilaasa@vsnl.net
Dilaasa
Dept. No. 15,
K.B. Bhabha Municipal Hospital,
Belgrami Road, Kurla (W),
Mumbai-400070.
Ph. 26500241 Extn. 212
Services in Hydrabad
Shaheen Women’s Resource and Welfare Association – Hyderabad, Telangana
H. No. 23-3-540, Baqshi Bazar, Sultan Shahi, Old City, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500265
Helpline For Women’s Harassment- 1091
Women protection cell – 040-23320539
Women police station – 040-27853508
Roshini helpline – 040-66202000
Asmitha resource center for Women – 040-27733251
Shaheens women’s organization – 040-24386994
AP women’s network – 040-27014394
National Commission for Women – 011-13237166
BHUMIKA HELPLINE FOR WOMEN IN DISTRESS – Toll free number – 1800 425 2908/ 040-2765316
Bharosa Support Centre for Women & Children,
Ground Floor, HACA Bhavan,
Saifabad, Hyderabad – 500004, Telangana,
Visit us: www.bharosahydpolice.org
Help Line Numbers: 100 & 1098
Women Helpline in Mumbai
DIAL 1298 Women Helpline, a toll free women-dedicated service managed by Ziqitza Healthcare in Mumbai has successfully helped more than 38,000 women in distress through its network of 80 partner NGOs.
Launched in 2008 with the support of 10 NGOs, DIAL 1298 Women Helpline offers women across socio-economic strata legal, psychological, psychiatric, trauma, medical and other kinds of counseling through its associations with a variety of women oriented NGOs.
The Helpline addresses a wide range of complaints including dowry harassment, eve teasing, abuse, domestic violence, cyber crime, divorce and maintenance, sexual harassment at workplace, among others.
The helpline was initially launched with the support of 10 NGOs and now works closely with over 80 NGOs in and around Mumbai. DIAL 1298 Women Helpline is a referral helpline service. Any woman who needs help can DIAL 1298 and it will connect to Silver Innings Foundation.
The foundation will refer the caller to an NGO that will either address the issue at hand and provide counseling or negotiate with the family members to resolve the issue. In instances where the woman requires immediate assistance, then the call will be forwarded to 103 Police Helpline.
Pan India
ZariyaIndia
http://www.zariyaindia.org
IHelp- Violence Against Women
If you think of any other helplines which are missing from this list, please drop a comment below of email us on support@askmile.com
