A HELPLINE has been launched to provide support, information and advice for Indian students who have been victims of crime.

In the past financial year there was a 23-per-cent surge in robberies in the western suburbs, with many involving Indian victims.

The 1800 number is a community initiative of the Police Indian Western Reference Group, which was launched in response to a meeting with police, the community and government representatives, following an armed robbery in Sunshine last year that left a man in a coma.

Region 2, Division 1 Superintendent Graham Kent said police members would support the volunteers.

Volunteers would be trained on police procedures and victim support services and other services including Wageline, Consumer Affairs, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria president Vasan Srinivasan said the helpline would be accessible for Indian students working late shifts and who commute late at night.

“If an Indian student encounters a difficult situation, they can just ring the helpline and the volunteers will be able to provide valuable guidance on what to do and where to go in a time of crisis,” Vasan said.

The helpline, 1800 3428 00, will be staffed by members of the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria and the Victorian International Students Association who will provide both Hindi and English help Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and 7pm to 11pm.