Helplines: Child helpline flooded with calls on physical, sexual abuse

The central government’s helpline number under the Women and Child Welfare Department — 1098 — has got a good response in the state and city. With 10-15 calls daily from children in Pune, Childline Helpline Services Director Anuradha Sahasrabuddhe said the helpline is functioning well. “Many calls are related to physical and sexual abuse of children. The Pune operations started in 2001 and, in the last 14 years, the number of calls has steadily risen,” Sahasrabuddhe said.