The current COVID-19 pandemic has increased the level of domestic violence in the Kyrgyzstan Republic. In response, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development of Kyrgyzstan, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Kingdom, has launched the Social Protection Information and Reference Helpline 117. The helpline aims to improve social support to citizens in difficult life situations, including victims of gender and domestic violence, in the country.
Calls to the helpline are taken free of charge. Staff from the district/city offices for Labour and Social Development will advise citizens on all ministry issues. In the future, the helpline will be integrated with the social assistance information system and the inter-departmental interaction system "Tunduk".
"The helpline 117 is one of the important measures to support victims of domestic violence. It allows for quick response to cases of violence, obtaining data for further prevention of violence, monitoring the situation for policymaking and providing legal and psychological assistance to victims," Minister of Labour and Social Development Aliza Soltonbekova said.
