During the visit, Majumdar closely examined the medical services provided to victimized women at the One Stop Centre. She inquired about the presence of counselors, deputation of doctors, availability of legal aid and counseling, and police assistance. A major concern highlighted during the inspection was the absence of a night guard, which currently prevents victim women from staying overnight at the shelter. Addressing this issue, she assured that necessary action would be taken to deploy a night guard at the earliest. Additionally, she directed the authorities to establish separate kitchens and washrooms to enhance the living conditions of the shelter.
The officer further emphasized the importance of maintaining hygiene and cleanliness while strengthening the existing infrastructure. She underscored the need to inform the victimized women about their legal rights, access to free legal aid, and government welfare schemes to ensure that they benefit from the support system provided at the One Stop Centre.
It is pertinent to note that Sakhi-One Stop Centre has been established to provide comprehensive support to women facing sexual harassment, emotional, psychological, economic abuse, and other forms of violence in private and public spaces, including homes, workplaces, and communities. The center aims to offer protection, legal guidance, and rehabilitation to affected women.
Apart from inspecting the One Stop Centre, Majumdar also focused on making the Child Helpline more functional. She urged the public to take an active role in safeguarding children’s rights by reporting any cases of child exploitation or deprivation of fundamental rights. Citizens were encouraged to dial the toll-free number 1098 to ensure immediate administrative intervention for the protection and proper accommodation of vulnerable children.
For any assistance, individuals can reach out to the helpline numbers: Sakhi-One Stop Centre Helpline: 9430123165, Toll-Free Number: 181and Child Helpline Number: 1098
The concept of One Stop Crisis Centres (OSCCs) in India traces its roots to the Dilaasa Model, India’s first hospital-based crisis center established in 2001 at KB Bhabha Hospital in Bandra by the Center for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT). The model, named Dilaasa meaning “reassurance,” was designed to provide comprehensive support to survivors of gender-based violence. Its success led to the Ministry of Women and Child Development adopting the model for the development of OSCCs nationwide starting in 2013-2014, with financial support from the Nirbhaya Fund allocated by the Central Government and implemented at the state level.
