NGO Brush Of Hope, in partnership with the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, has introduced a dedicated helpline to support victims of cyberbullying and sextortion, the Maharashtra Cybercrime Helpline. The helpline—022-65366666—will be available Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM.
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Director General of Maharashtra Cyber Cell Yashasvi Yadav announced the helpline number at a special event held on Friday at the World Trade Center in Mumbai. Bollywood actors Farhan Akhtar and Jacqueline Fernandez also attended.
“Our dedicated teams are committed to supporting victims of sextortion and cyberbullying. Four counselors will be available to assist in English, Hindi, and Marathi,” said Dr. Sheetal Gagrani, founder of NGO Brush Of Hope.
“They will guide victims to stay calm and, if necessary, assist them in approaching the police. The primary goal of this helpline is to assure victims that they are not alone and that help is readily available,” Dr. Gagrani added.
“As we speak, at least 128 women are experiencing cyber harassment and sextortion. Cybercrime has become the world’s leading organized crime. Many victims of cyberbullying hesitate to approach the police. In such cases, they can turn to the helpline for support,” said Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, Yashaswi Yadav.
The counselors, trained by Dr. Anjali Chhabria, will provide mental health support to victims. “There is significant stigma attached to these issues, causing victims immense distress. Our counselors will offer emotional assistance first, followed by guidance on legal aid,” Dr. Gagrani added.
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Cybercrime and criminals have increased in the past few years, and the crimes have been as unique as friends telling friends about someone coming into money and that someone becoming a blackmailing victim, to a woman accusing a man of impregnating her, even though the two never met in real life
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