Toronto, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Indian Consulate in Canada's Toronto has inaugurated a specialized One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW) aimed at supporting Indian women in distress, addressing issues such as domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, abandonment, exploitation, and legal hurdles. This Centre will function from the Indian mission located in Toronto.

According to a statement from the Indian Consulate General in Toronto, “The One Stop Centre will offer coordinated, beneficiary-focused assistance by connecting affected women to timely and appropriate support pathways. This includes immediate counselling, psycho-social support facilitation, and coordination of legal aid and advice, while also helping women navigate relevant community and social service resources in Canada. All interventions by the OSCW will adhere to local laws in Canada.”

Furthermore, the Centre will be managed by a female Centre Administrator, ensuring the provision of safe, dignified, and comprehensive assistance to women in need, based on means testing, through a 24/7 helpline for distress calls. This support will feature counselling and emotional aid through affiliated NGOs. Financial assistance will also be provided based on means testing in accordance with the Government of India’s regulations,” the statement continued.

This initiative comes shortly after the tragic murder of a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman, Himanshi Khurana, in Toronto. The Canadian authorities have reportedly issued a nationwide arrest warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, who has a connection to the victim, as per local media reports citing law enforcement sources.

The Indian Consulate in Toronto has expressed its shock and sorrow regarding this incident.

In a social media post, the Consulate stated, “We are profoundly saddened by the murder of Ms. Himanshi Khurana, a young Indian national, in Toronto. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her grieving family during this time of immense sorrow.”

The Consulate further emphasized that officials have been diligently monitoring the situation and are extending all possible assistance to the family in close collaboration with Canadian authorities.