Helpline for women, children opens

A national helpline has been inaugurated yesterday to help women and children who fall victims to different forms of violence.
The helpline has been established under the Multi-Sectoral Programme on Violence Against Women (MSPVAW) of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
It will support the victims in times of crisis and guide them and other stakeholders for legal provisions and actions.
It will also provide information about other helpline operated by government agencies and non-government organisations.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has awarded a short code 10921 to the MSPVAW for using as hunting number.
The number will be accessible both from cell and land phones.
The centre, located at the seventh floor, Department of Women Affairs, 37 Eskaton Garden Road, Dhaka-1000, will be open 24 hours seven days a week.
Women and children victims, their families and other stakeholders will benefit with relevant information for various advice, services and support, which will be available throughout the country.
Danish Ambassador Svend Olling and State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Dr Shirin Sharmin Choudhury inaugurated the National Helpline Centre for Violence Against Women and Children.
Bangladesh and Denmark governments are jointly carrying out the programme.