Ahmedabad Sees Rising Domestic Violence Calls, Helpline Data Shows
The Abhayam 181 women helpline in Gujarat received an average of 247 calls every day related to domestic violence in 2025. This figure translates to roughly one call every six minutes. While this number is lower than the 274 daily calls recorded in 2024 and 271 in 2023, it highlights a persistent issue across the state.
Ahmedabad City Records Significant Increase
Ahmedabad city itself reported 54 domestic violence calls daily in 2025. That means one call reached the helpline every thirty minutes. This marks a sharp rise from 2020, when the city logged only 26 daily calls. The data shows a doubling of daily domestic violence reports in Ahmedabad over just five years.
Among four major cities in Gujarat, Ahmedabad stood out as the only one with a consistent year-on-year upward trend in domestic violence calls. This pattern raises concerns among local activists and officials.
Experts and Activists Weigh In
Women's rights organizations in Ahmedabad noted that domestic violence has always been a primary concern for women. It typically forms the bulk of cases handled by any redressal mechanism. The increasing volume of calls, however, suggests more women are now stepping forward to report incidents.
"When families or women contact a helpline instead of the police, they often seek a middle path," explained an activist from Ahmedabad. "They want to explore options before initiating formal police or legal action, which frequently leads to the end of the relationship. The effectiveness of counselors in resolving these domestic disputes remains a critical question."
The activist further emphasized the complexity of these cases. "Domestic violence situations often combine multiple issues. When they enter a public forum, they require sensitive and careful handling."
Root Causes and Helpline Operations
Officials from the Abhayam helpline in Ahmedabad pointed to several underlying causes for domestic violence calls. Common triggers include disputes over child custody, financial problems, extramarital affairs, general marital discord, and addiction issues.
It is also important to note that some urgent calls requiring immediate intervention were redirected. Since September of last year, these critical cases have been diverted to the newer 112 emergency helpline. This shift in protocol may have influenced the daily call statistics for the Abhayam line.
The data from Ahmedabad presents a clear picture. While the overall state numbers show a slight decrease, the city's experience tells a different story. The rising trend in domestic violence reports underscores the ongoing challenges and the crucial role helplines play in supporting women across Gujarat.
