One Stop Centre Scheme

The One Stop Centre Scheme helps women affected by violence obtain essential assistance in one place instead of approaching several agencies separately. Its purpose is to provide integrated support through medical assistance, police facilitation, legal assistance, counselling and temporary shelter for women facing violence in private or public spaces.

Purpose and beneficiaries

The scheme addresses both the immediate crisis caused by violence and the difficulties survivors face in accessing institutions. It seeks to improve women's access to protection, justice and recovery through a coordinated response.

• Assistance is available to women affected by violence, irrespective of caste, class, religion, region or marital status.
• The scheme covers violence within the home as well as outside it, including domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual harassment.
• Girls below 18 years can also receive assistance, with their cases coordinated with institutions and authorities under child-protection laws.

Services provided under one roof

A One Stop Centre, also known as a Sakhi Centre, brings essential support services together or facilitates access to the relevant service provider. It does not replace hospitals, police stations or courts; it helps survivors navigate these institutions.

• Medical assistance includes facilitating emergency treatment and referral to appropriate health facilities.
• Police assistance includes facilitating the reporting of violence and the registration of a complaint or First Information Report.
• Legal aid and counselling help women understand their rights and access legal remedies.
• Psychosocial counselling provides support for distress arising from violence and helps women make informed decisions.
• Temporary shelter provides short-term accommodation for women requiring immediate safety; longer-term needs require linkage with appropriate services.

Access and coordinated support

The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, with implementation through States and Union Territories. Its effectiveness depends on coordination among centre staff, health services, police, legal-services authorities and shelter providers.

• A woman may approach a centre directly or be referred through police, relatives, volunteers or other support organisations.
• Linkage with the Women Helpline helps connect women seeking assistance with centres and relevant services.
• Bringing services together aims to reduce repeated visits, delays and the burden of recounting traumatic experiences to multiple agencies.
• The centre's primary role is support and response to violence; it complements, rather than substitutes for, wider prevention measures and effective law enforcement.