Odisha Govt Releases WhatsApp Number To Report Domestic Violence

Bhubaneswar: The Women & Child Development Department has launched a WhatsApp number 7205006039 for reporting cases of domestic violence.

It already has a women’s helpline number 181.

Experts feel that instances of domestic violence may increase and this will be a useful tool for women in distress, the Chief Minister’s Office tweeted.

The move comes a day after DGP Abhay released an official statement saying that victims of domestic violence need not visit the police station. They can call the Helpline telephone number of the police station and district control room. 

After receiving the call, police will reach the spot/home to collect complaints/FIR and take necessary action. Victims of domestic violence can also approach police through Odisha Police Citizen Portal or Sahayata Mobile app.

The action had come at the behest of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who on Tuesday had said that cases of domestic violence should be dealt with on priority and sternly.