Sexual Assault Helpline in Bangalore remains non-functional, leaving victims without critical support in times of distress.
The government run helpline, which serves as a support system for survivors of sexual assault, has been out of service for a long period, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals seeking immediate assistance and guidance.
Arundhathi (name changed) a sexual assault (SA) survivor said, “I had no help, and I wish I had someone to talk to when I was in desperate need of help. I find it easier to talk to an anonymous person who would not judge me or put the blame on me.”
“We urge authorities to prioritize the restoration of the sexual assault helpline without delay,” emphasized Rajesh Kumar, who previously worked with a now-defunct women’s helpline run by the government. “Every moment the helpline remains inactive, vulnerable individuals are left without the support they need,” he added.
Dr. Shalini, a psychologist, said that the absence of a functioning helpline not only holds back survivors from reporting incidents promptly but also deprives them of essential guidance on legal recourse and psychological support services.
Riya (name changed), an SA survivor said she couldn’t remember what happened to her the night that it happened. She only remembers trying to call for help. However, not a friend, not anyone for that matter tried to just be on a call. She felt unheard and unseen. Even if the government helpline was her last resort, she expected someone to pick the call at the least. But no one answered.
Soumya. L, a counsellor from Sakhi one stop centre in Bangalore said, “I get at least 10 to 12 calls every day. The immediate help that the centre provides to the victims are counselling and medical help.” She also said that a lot of helplines don’t work. They make the victim stay on call to connect to the counsellor but they don’t do it on time and within this duration the victims tend to get suicidal and worry that they cannot survive the physical and mental trauma, she added.
Shalini also said that the need for an operational sexual assault helpline is important to safeguard the rights and well-being of individuals affected by sexual violence, downplaying the urgency for immediate action and sustained commitment from authorities to rectify this critical issue.
