The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services Social Welfare Division has opened a help-line service for victims of violence in Honiara.

The Helpline, 132, is the free 24 hrs and is located at the Social Welfare Division.

The Ministry's Gender based Violence program Coordinator, Nashley Vozoto says the Violence Helpline will ensure that victims will be able to contact them at any time of the day so their needs can be addressed.

He says violence against women is a growing problem in the country and according to the Family Health and Safety Study of 2010 by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, 64 percent of all women respondents between ages 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence , with a staggering 40 percent of respondents reporting sexual abuse before reaching the age of 15.

The Helpline is an initiative by the Ministry of health and Medical Services to improve response to victims of violence in the areas where they require services.

Survivors of violence are urged to call this free number any time they need help.