Nari Sohayata Desk — Women Help Desk at Police Stations, West Bengal
West Bengal Police, Home Department, Government of West Bengal
📋 Scheme Overview
Nari Sohayata Desk (Women's Assistance Desk) is a dedicated, mandatory counter established at every police station across West Bengal, staffed exclusively by trained women police officers. It provides a safe, confidential, and sensitive environment for women to report domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry harassment, stalking, and trafficking. The desk ensures women receive immediate legal aid, medical referrals, and emotional support without fear or stigma.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Any woman of any age, religion, caste, or economic background
- Women facing domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, or any gender-based crime
- Women seeking protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA)
- Minor girls in distress can be reported by any adult on their behalf
🎁 Benefits & Features
- Private consultation with a trained woman officer
- Fast-tracked FIR registration for serious crimes against women
- Immediate referral to medical facilities, legal aid, and shelter homes
- Connection to Nari Niketan shelter homes and One Stop (Sakhi) Centres
- Confidential case handling to protect victim identity
- Protection orders under PWDVA 2005 facilitated within 24 hours in urgent cases
📝 How to Apply — Step by Step
- Walk into the nearest police station and ask for the "Nari Sohayata Desk"
- A trained woman officer will meet you privately — no appointment needed
- Share your situation; the officer helps you file FIR, Complaint, or General Diary as appropriate
- For domestic violence, an order under PWDVA 2005 can be sought the same day
- You will be referred to the nearest Sakhi One Stop Centre for comprehensive support
- Emergency: dial 1091 (Women Helpline) or 100 for immediate police response
- Follow up your case at the station or via the WB Police online portal
📄 Documents Required
- 📎No documents mandatory to seek help
- 📎For FIR: any photo ID is helpful (Aadhaar, voter card)
- 📎Medical certificate if injuries are present
- 📎Any evidence available (screenshots, photos, voice recordings)
Ready to Apply?
🏛 Visit Official Portal ↗ Visit the official portal to begin your application.