Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has strongly criticised the functioning of the Women’s Helpline 181, alleging that it operates merely as a counselling centre rather than providing assistance during emergency situations.
In a press release issued on November 9, 2026, DRAG President Avelino de Sa urged women facing distress or immediate threats to contact the Goa Police helpline, claiming that Women’s Helpline 181 does not provide emergency assistance or coordinate with the police.
Citing a recent case, de Sa said he had referred an educated woman with a disability to the helpline after she allegedly faced threats from her husband to assault her and her family. He claimed that the woman had repeatedly approached Ponda Police with complaints of dowry harassment, insults and mental torture but had received no effective response.
According to de Sa, the South Goa Centre Coordinator of Women’s Helpline 181 informed him that the centre functioned only as a counselling facility and did not provide assistance during emergencies or coordinate with Goa Police. He further alleged that the coordinator did not even have the contact number of the officer in charge of the Women’s Police Station.
DRAG has demanded immediate action against the South Goa Centre Coordinator, alleging that she had advised the complainant against involving NGOs in the matter, despite the organisation having referred the case to the helpline.
De Sa termed the alleged remarks objectionable, pointing out that NGOs had been working for the protection of women and vulnerable sections of society for over two decades. He also referred to the Chief Minister’s recent appreciation of the work carried out by NGOs.
The association has appealed to Women and Child Development Minister Vishwajit Rane to take women’s safety seriously and immediately strengthen the Women’s Helpline 181 by establishing effective coordination with Goa Police so that women facing emergencies receive timely assistance.
DRAG has also written to the Director General of Police (DGP), seeking an inquiry into the alleged failure of Ponda Police to act on complaints of dowry harassment, insults and mental torture against the woman with a disability.
The association has further demanded the immediate arrest of the woman’s husband and his family members.
