How is the ‘One-Stop Centre’ Supporting Women Victims of Violence in Chamoli?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Support: The OSC provides legal, medical, and psychological assistance to women.
- Emergency Services: The centre ensures victims receive immediate rescue and transport to safety.
- Accessible Helpline: Women can call 181 for 24/7 support.
- Empowerment Focus: The OSC empowers women to understand their rights and navigate legal processes.
- Lifeline for Women: The OSC serves as a crucial support system for women in distress.
Chamoli (Uttarakhand), Oct 28 (NationPress) Women enduring violence in Chamoli are discovering essential support through the One-Stop Centre (OSC) initiative, a key program by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Commonly referred to as the ‘Sakhi Centre’, the OSC delivers extensive assistance to women impacted by domestic violence, gender-based violence, and dowry-related abuse.
Women frequently encounter discrimination and mistreatment in their homes, workplaces, or communities due to their gender. From honour killings and dowry abuse to acid attacks and gender-selective abortions, these occurrences underscore the critical need for specialized support systems. Initiated in April 2015, the One-Stop Centre scheme is dedicated to safeguarding women from such maltreatment and empowering them to resist violence.
The scheme provides legal, medical, and psychological counseling to women subjected to physical, emotional, mental, or sexual abuse. It aims to furnish immediate and comprehensive support to women encountering violence in any setting.
Rashmi Rawat, the Centre Administrator at the Chamoli OSC in Gopeshwar, noted that the program has been active in the district since 2019 and has aided over 350 women to date.
She elaborated that upon receiving a complaint, the centre mobilizes emergency rescue services. In collaboration with 108 emergency services, PCR units, and the National Health Mission, the OSC guarantees that the victim is safely conveyed to the nearest hospital or shelter.
Accessible in every district across India, victims can connect through District Women and Child Development Officers, Anganwadi workers, or District Programme Officers. Additionally, women can file complaints through the 24-hour helpline number 181 for immediate help.
Rashmi Rawat, OSC Administrator, stated, “Our aim is to deliver swift assistance to women in distress, ensuring their safety and access to legal and medical resources.”
Rajni, a legal advisor at the centre, added, “We assist women with legal processes and help them comprehend their rights. Early intervention can significantly enhance their lives.”
The One-Stop Centre scheme has emerged as a lifeline for women in Chamoli, providing them with protection, support, and hope against violence and discrimination.