‘One Stop Sakhi Centre’ to provide helping hand for violence affected women: Aruna Chaudhary

Chandigarh: Punjab government has set up ‘One Stop Sakhi Centres’ (OSCs) in all the districts of the state to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence. Unique initiative of Social Security, Women and Child Development department, these 22 OSCs have been successfully running with dedicated staff and providing required support to the needy.
Apprising about this unique scheme, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Aruna Chaudhary said that One Stop Centres (OSCs) are being run by the department to facilitate access to an integrated range of services including medical, legal and psychological support for Women affected by violence in the state. These centres will be integrated with Toll free women helpline number 181 and other existing help lines so that women affected by violence and wants to need the redressal services, could be referred to OSC through these help lines.
The minister further said that Emergency Response and Rescue Services Medical Assistance to women in lodging FIR/NCR/DIR Psycho-Social support/counseling Legal aid and counseling shelter are being provided in these centres. Reaffirming commitment for the well being of distress women, Mrs. Chaudhary further said that the Social Security, Women and Child Development department has taken up slew of measures including holding several campaigns to create awareness on women safety and protection. She apprised that One Stop Sakhi Centre or Sakhi scheme supports women of all ages affected by violence, both in private and public spaces. She facilitates access to integrated police assistance, psycho-social counseling, legal counseling/legal aid and temporary shelter under one roof 24/7.
The minister said that the Sakhi Centres are managed by 14 professional staff comprising a centre administrator, psycho-social counselors (2), case workers (2), para-medical workers (2), legal counselor, data analyst, finance and admin assistant, multi-purpose helpers (2) and security guards (2). Any woman in crisis situation can call Helpline 181 and through rescue van the woman/girl would be brought to the Sakhi Centre, and would be given shelter, if required and a welcome kit comprising all toiletries and essential commodities.
She said that apart from the state level dedicated number, district level helpline numbers have also been set up.