CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Sakhi One Stop Centres support women in crisis, offering five facilities at one place
Lucknow. For women facing domestic violence, sexual harassment or other forms of abuse, Sakhi One Stop Centres are an important channel of support. To ensure that women in crisis do not have to run from one place to another for a police station, hospital, lawyer and safe shelter, several essential services are made available at these centres under one roof. Operating in districts of Uttar Pradesh, these centres help women in need access medical care, legal assistance, police support, psychological counselling and temporary shelter.
Five key facilities are available under one roof. Sakhi One Stop Centres are operated under the ‘Sambal’ sub-scheme of the central government’s Mission Shakti scheme. Women affected by violence can receive the following assistance here:
1. Police assistance: Help is provided in filing a complaint and establishing contact with the police.
2. Medical facility: When required, coordination is done to provide treatment and medical assistance through a hospital.
3. Legal advice: The affected woman is informed about her rights, the process of filing a complaint and the legal options available.
4. Psychological counselling: Women facing mental stress due to violence or harassment are given counselling and emotional support.
5. Temporary shelter: A woman in need can receive temporary shelter at the centre for up to five days. If a longer stay is required, help is provided in connecting her with other suitable arrangements.
Where to contact for help? Women can seek assistance by directly visiting the Sakhi One Stop Centre in their district. In addition, information about the nearest centre and available services can be obtained by calling the women’s helpline 181. In Uttar Pradesh, the Women Power Line 1090 can also be contacted. In case of immediate danger or an emergency, 112 should be called.
A woman in need may contact the women’s helpline herself, or another person may contact it on her behalf for assistance. The woman may also choose to keep her identity confidential, although some necessary information may be sought to provide help in an emergency. Experts say timely support is important for women facing violence or harassment. The objective of Sakhi centres is to provide them with a safe environment, essential services and guidance for further action. No woman needs to face a crisis alone; she can use the available government support services.
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