Helpline numbers designed to aid individuals in distress have been an essential part of social safety nets worldwide. They provide a quick, efficient, and crucial intervention for people in crisis—whether it be for domestic violence, mental health issues, child safety, or any other form of emergency. However, a rising trend of false reports made to these helplines is causing significant concern. Certain individuals are misusing the system for personal vendettas, family disputes, and harassment. These false cases not only drain valuable resources but also put undue pressure on law enforcement and emergency services that are meant to serve vulnerable individuals.
ALSO READ: Opinion | Rise Of Japanese Football And Lessons For India
In recent years, this phenomenon has been reported more frequently across India. For instance, a woman might call a helpline stating that her husband has kidnapped their child. The authorities rush to respond, only to find that after a heated argument, the couple has already reconciled before law enforcement's arrival. In another scenario, a scorned ex-lover might report a false case of elopement or child marriage, simply out of spite. However, when the authorities arrive, they find that the girl is safe with her family, with no intention of eloping or engaging in unlawful activities. Even in cases where neighbours or relatives report distress calls out of personal grievances, the consequences are the same: false cases cause unnecessary panic and disrupt the effectiveness of emergency services.
The Impact of False Calls
The ramifications of false reports extend beyond just wasting time and resources. They create chaos for both the people involved and those tasked with responding to the calls. Law enforcement officers, social workers, and other emergency responders have limited time and resources to dedicate to each case. When they are diverted to handle false alarms, it hampers their ability to focus on real emergencies, where lives might truly be at risk.
The psychological and emotional toll on individuals and their families is another important aspect. Imagine a family who has already been through a traumatic situation, only to have law enforcement arrive at their doorstep based on a false claim. The stress and humiliation they endure are considerable, and it adds another layer of complexity to a difficult situation. In some cases, families or individuals may face public scrutiny, which can have long-lasting consequences on their personal and professional lives.
Additionally, helplines that are meant to provide a lifeline for vulnerable people in crisis, such as those suffering from domestic violence or mental health issues, are overwhelmed by these false reports. The confusion and emotional distress caused by handling such cases diminish the efficacy of these services, leaving people who truly need help in a precarious situation. A helpline designed to be a beacon of hope becomes bogged down by unnecessary investigations, thereby failing to respond to real crises in a timely manner.
Limited Resources and the Growing Burden
The resources allocated to law enforcement agencies and social services are often limited, and handling false cases consumes these precious assets. Many government-run helplines have a finite number of staff members who are trained to handle sensitive and urgent situations. Each false call stretches these resources further, leading to delays in response times for individuals who require urgent intervention.
In India, for example, several helplines, such as 181 (for women’s safety), 1098 (for children’s safety) and 112 (for general emergency assistance), have been created with the best intentions, but the capacity to handle the growing number of cases remains an issue. The lack of sufficient manpower to deal with an influx of calls—some legitimate, some not—makes it even harder to deliver effective service. When false reports are made, it diverts attention from people who are in real danger. It takes time to investigate each call, and the outcome often leads to frustration, both for the responders and the people involved in the false claims.
A Legal Framework for Deterrence
One of the most effective ways to address this issue is by establishing strict legal repercussions for those who misuse emergency helplines. Currently, individuals who make false reports or use these services for personal gain do so without fear of significant consequences. To prevent this, the government, with the support of legal authorities, should consider implementing stronger penalties for making false reports to emergency helplines.
For instance, in the United States, making a false emergency call to 911 is a serious offense, punishable under Penal Code $ 148.5. This law applies to individuals who knowingly make false reports, creating a distraction and wasting the time and resources of emergency responders. Similarly, India could look into creating a stronger legal framework, such as fines or criminal prosecution, for those who deliberately misuse helplines. If an individual is found to be making a false report that causes harm or waste of resources, a fine could be imposed.
This can be enforced through coordination between the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) and the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA). These bodies can work to establish a mechanism where individuals who make false reports face prosecution or are fined for their actions. Such legal action would not only serve as a deterrent but also ensure that valuable resources are allocated to individuals who are genuinely in need of assistance.
The Role of Public Awareness
In addition to legal measures, raising awareness about the consequences of false reports is another crucial strategy. Public campaigns can inform people about the dangers of misusing emergency services and the negative consequences that can result. These campaigns could educate individuals on how to correctly identify a genuine emergency and the potential harm that false reports can cause to those in need.
Moreover, training helpline operators to better identify potential false alarms is essential. While it is difficult to ascertain the veracity of a claim immediately, improved screening processes can help distinguish between legitimate distress and fabricated cases. By carefully examining the details provided during an emergency call, operators can make better decisions on how to proceed, thus reducing the chances of sending law enforcement to a non-existent crisis.
The Need for a Balanced Approach
It is important to recognise that helplines must remain accessible for those in genuine distress. While it is critical to curb the misuse of these services, the system should not become so rigid that it deters real victims from reaching out. A balance must be struck between preventing abuse and ensuring that vulnerable individuals can still access help when they need it most.
Conclusion
Implementing fines or legal prosecution for false reports, along with public awareness campaigns and improved screening methods, will go a long way in ensuring that helplines remain a vital tool for individuals in need of help.
Ultimately, the government, with the support of legal authorities and social organisations, must work together to create a system where genuine distress calls are prioritised, and misuse of these services is penalised. Only through such collective action can we ensure that helplines fulfill their intended purpose: to provide support and safety for those in true need.
(The author is a social worker and a child rights activist. All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)
