Patna : Bihar’s Women Development Corporation helpline 181 received 13,17,713 calls over four-and-a-half years, of which 16,909 were registered as cases.
According to the available data, 9,412 of the registered cases were related to domestic violence, making it the largest category of complaints received through the helpline.
The helpline also received complaints related to mental harassment, dowry-related harassment and child marriage.
Domestic Violence Accounts For 9,412 Cases
Of the 16,909 registered cases, 9,412 involved domestic violence.
A further 2,212 cases involved allegations of taunts and mental harassment, while 1,404 cases were related to dowry harassment. The helpline also received information about 177 cases involving child marriage.
The figures indicate that domestic violence remained the most common reason for women seeking assistance through the helpline.
Not Every Call Was Registered As A Case
The 13,17,713 calls received by 181 did not all result in formal cases.
Women also contacted the helpline for information about government schemes, cybercrime, legal advice and other forms of assistance.
In some instances, action was already underway at the police station level. In others, helpline staff provided counselling or guidance over the phone and helped resolve the issue without registering a formal case.
How The Helpline Responds To Emergencies
When a call is received, the helpline team first assesses the woman’s situation and immediate needs.
If there is an immediate threat to safety, the call can be transferred to 112, the emergency response number, for police assistance.
After police intervention, the helpline team follows up to check the situation. Where immediate police intervention is not required, the case can be referred to a Sakhi One Stop Centre for counselling and other support.
Cases Referred To Police And Support Centres
In one case from Patna, a teacher experiencing severe mental distress received assistance after her child contacted 181.
The helpline team coordinated with the police, following which officers reached the location and provided the required assistance.
In another case, a woman from Siwan was reportedly unable to clearly provide her address after facing prolonged difficulties. Following a call to 181, the team coordinated with 112 and the Siwan Sakhi One Stop Centre. Police assistance was used to trace her family and establish contact with her husband.
Child Marriage Information Also Reaches 181
The helpline has also been used to report suspected child marriage.
In one Patna case, information was received that the marriage of a 14-year-old girl had been arranged. A relative reportedly contacted 181 without revealing their identity.
The helpline team coordinated with the Sakhi One Stop Centre and police, following which action was taken at the location to prevent the marriage.
Shelter And Legal Assistance Available
Women facing difficult circumstances can also receive temporary shelter through Shakti Sadan, with facilities available at 16 locations across Bihar.
Women requiring specialised mental-health-related support can be referred to Aasra homes.
Legal assistance and appropriate action can also be pursued in cases involving maintenance, domestic violence and related issues, depending on the circumstances.
Helpline Calls Increased In Recent Years
The data shows a substantial increase in the number of calls received by 181 over recent years.
In 2022-23, the helpline received 83,233 calls and registered 2,602 cases.
The following year, 1,04,146 calls were received and 2,556 cases were registered.
In 2024-25, calls increased to 4,07,684, with 5,262 cases registered.
In 2025-26, the helpline received 4,68,074 calls, while 4,248 cases were registered.
2.54 Lakh Calls Received Between April And August 2026
Between April and August 2026, 2,54,576 calls were received on the 181 helpline.
Of these, 2,241 were registered as cases and 1,878 cases were disposed of during the period.
According to the available figures, a total of 12,878 cases were disposed of over the four-and-a-half-year period, while assistance was provided in 1,29,691 calls.
