One Stop Centres (OSC) are designed to support women affected by violence in both private and public spaces, including within families, communities, and workplaces. The OSC aims to provide integrated support and redressal to women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse. This includes support for women affected by attempted sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking, honour-related crimes, acid attacks, or witch-hunting.
Key Objectives of the Scheme:
- Integrated Support:
Provide all services under one roof to address various forms of violence against women. - Comprehensive Services:
Facilitate immediate, emergency, and non-emergency access to medical, legal, psychological, and counselling support.
Target Group
The OSC caters to all women—including girls below 18 years—affected by violence, regardless of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Benefits & Services Provided
For Women and Girls:
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Emergency Response and Rescue Services:
- Rescue and referral services in collaboration with existing mechanisms such as the National Health Mission (NHM), 108 services, and police (PCR Van).
- Women can be rescued from the scene and referred to the nearest medical facility or shelter home.
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Medical Assistance:
- Immediate referral to the nearest hospital for necessary medical aid or examination as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare protocols.
- Ambulance services provided if required.
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Police Assistance:
- Assistance with filing First Information Reports (FIR/NCR) through a designated police officer facilitating the process.
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Psycho-Social Support and Counselling:
- Professional counselling to address emotional and psychological needs.
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Legal Aid/Counselling:
- Provision of legal support and counselling services.
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Shelter Facilities:
- Temporary shelter services provided at the OSC for aggrieved women and children (girls of all ages and boys up to 8 years).
- Temporary shelter available for a maximum of 5 days, with long-term shelter arrangements facilitated through Swadhar Greh/Short Stay Homes managed or affiliated with government/NGO entities.
- Admission to shelter is at the discretion of the Centre Administrator.
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Video Conferencing Facility:
- Enables online police and court proceedings for a streamlined judicial process.
For Women Under 18:
- When girls under 18 are referred, services are provided in coordination with authorities and institutions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012.
Operational Details:
- 24-Hour Service:
The OSC operates around the clock with round-the-clock referral services.
Eligibility
- Who Can Avail:
All women facing any form of abuse—physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic—are eligible, regardless of age, class, caste, education, marital status, race, or culture.
Application Process
Offline Access:
Women affected by violence can access the OSC services in the following ways:
- Self-Referral:
The woman may approach the OSC herself. - Assisted Referral:
A friend, relative, public-spirited citizen, public servant (as defined under Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860), NGO, volunteer, etc. can facilitate access. - Helpline Referral:
Through the integrated Women Helpline which connects with police, ambulance, and other emergency response services.
Documents Required
- No documents are mandatory for accessing OSC services.
- It is advisable to carry a valid identification card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What kind of Emergency Response and Rescue Services are provided?
Rescue services are provided in coordination with NHM, 108 services, and police, ensuring immediate transfer to medical facilities or shelter homes. -
What kind of Medical Assistance is provided?
Immediate referral to the nearest hospital for medical aid and examination, along with ambulance services if needed. -
What kind of Police Assistance is provided?
Assistance in filing FIRs or NCRs with the support of a police officer. -
What is meant by Shelter as a Service?
Temporary shelter facilities are provided at the OSC for aggrieved women and children, with arrangements for long-term shelter made as needed. -
What is the purpose of the Video Conferencing Facility?
To facilitate online police and court proceedings, ensuring that legal processes are conducted efficiently.