Next time you are stalked or teased, call 181.

The Women Development Corporation has started the easy-to-remember toll-free number to address incidents of crime against women, including assault, eve-teasing or stalking.

At present, the number operates for eight hours (10am-6pm) as it is under trial run. The experiment was started in October.

Around 15 to 20 calls are attended per day. A few years back, a 12-digit number had been introduced but it was not very successful.

Rupesh Kumar Sinha, project director, Women Development Corporation, Bihar, said: “The corporation has been doing something or the other for empowerment of women. We already have short stay homes, protection homes, correctional homes, hostels (for working women) and women’s helplines in various districts. This time, we felt the need for a number that is easy to remember and accessible from anywhere in the state.”

Calls can be made through landlines or cellphones.

Sinha said the helpline was functional in 34 districts.

“In Samastipur, Banka and Khagaria, a new cellphone number would be launched. Lakhisarai, too, would have a new number,” he said, when asked about the remaining four districts.

Sinha added: “The initiative was taken under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Helpline Yojana started by the Centre after the December 16, 2012, Delhi gangrape case. The helpline would not be restricted to women. If we get calls about kids going missing, we would pass it over to the Childline.”

Sources said the corporation would hold discussions with the inspector-general (weaker section) as all the women police stations come under his jurisdiction.

If the corporation receives calls related to domestic violence, the charge would be given to the women’s helpline. For other types of violence against women, the police would be contacted.

Women Development Corporation, Bihar, is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

It works closely with the department of social welfare and is the nodal agency for implementing women development programmes in the state.

The corporation also works with community-based organisations, administration and NGOs for social, cultural and economic empowerment of women.

Hemlata Sharan (48), a resident of Rampur Road, said: “It is a good initiative for women. However, it should be ensured that help is provided to callers.”