Strengthening systems and setting up Toll-Free Helplines for Women and Children

Colombo, Sri Lanka - The 1929 Child Helpline and 1938 Women’s Helpline were set up with funding from SAARC Development Fund to address complaints regarding all forms of discrimination and abuse against women and children, through referrals to legal, counselling, and access to shelter facilities.

The 1938 helpline initially worked only eight hours per day. However, COVID-19 worsened the situation. According to reports, women and children are more likely to experience violence within the four walls of their homes due to movement restrictions imposed during lockdowns. This was evident from the rising numbers. The complaints received by the helpline significantly increased following the Covid-19-related lockdowns and restrictions. The recorded cases on the 1938 hotline increased to 3,771 in 2020 from just 1,806 in 2019 and 1,337 in 2018. Similarly, the 1929 child helpline also saw a drastic increase in the number of cases.

 “With the financial and technical assistance from SAARC Development Fund, we were able to expand the helpline to 24/7,” said the Director at the Ministry of Women and Child Department in Sri Lanka, Ms. Iresha N Dharmasena. The helpline is a national 24/7 free phone service to women and children in need of care and protection. “In April 2020 alone, about 460 complaints of violence were lodged at the 1939 helpline.”

She said that the trilingual 24-hour hotlines and digital application today provide psychosocial, legal and shelter support for survivors across the country. It is accessible from any place at any given time. A team of trained professionals/operators are on call to respond to and provide counselling and referral services and crtical information. 

Together with partners, SDF is committed towards ensuring women and children’s access to support, health care, psychosocial services, legal aid and safe spaces through this project.

Here's a Video about the project!