Goa steps up effort for women safety with new universal helpline

Panaji, Sep 10 (IANS) Goa government's Women and Child Development Ministry on Monday launched a universal helpline service for women in distress in the coastal state.

The service which can be accessed by dialing 181 will be operated by GVK-EMRI, a private corporate entity in association with the state Women and Child Development Department.

"It will help to create a positive impact on women's empowerment in Goa and also in cracking down on crimes against women more efficiently," Director, Women and Child Development Deepak Dessai said at the function which was held in the state capital to mark the launch of the new initiative.

The helpline is aimed at supporting women in distress and is expected to provide counseling, guidance, information, as well as deal with cases of domestic violence.