On the dark and cold night of December 16, 2012, a 23-year-old woman was brutally assaulted and raped in a moving bus in south Delhi.
The infamous Delhi rape case shook the entire country.
In another horrific incident, a 26-year-old veterinary doctor from Hyderabad was brutally gang-raped, murdered and later dumped on the side of a road.
Before discussing about One Stop Centres lets us understand the condition of women in our country.
We all know that we have taken many steps to respond to the cries of our women. We know much is yet to be done. Many more changes are yet to come because it has not ended.
Women still continue to be the victims of various forms of abuse – physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse at different stages of their lifetime.
It is even more distressing when it comes to the numbers!
The National Crime Records Bureau in its Crimes in India Report 2019 has recorded a 7.3% increase in crimes against women when compared to 2018.
1 in every 3 women is a victim of Gender-based violence.
Yes, the number is huge. And according to studies, the number is underreported.
Violence against women and girls is an extreme manifestation of gender inequality and systemic gender-based discrimination. The right of women and children to live free of violence depends on the protection of their human rights and a strong chain of justice.
It is the responsibility of every government to take necessary measures to ensure that woman has easy and speedy access to justice against all forms of violence.
In 2013, The Union Government of India announced the Nirbhaya Fund in response to the Delhi Rape incident. The purpose of the fund was to address violence against women and establish One Stop Centres for them in every district.
The One Stop Centre Scheme was introduced to specifically address gender-based violence. Popularly known as Sakhi, the scheme is being implemented since 1st April 2015.
Who can access the One Stop Centres?
One Stop Centres are intended to support women affected by violence in private and public spaces, within the family, community or the workplace.
Women facing any kind of abuse are provided support. Any aggrieved woman irrespective of age, class, caste, education status, marital status, race and culture can reach out to the nearest one-stop centre.
Accordingly, women facing any kind of violence are provided with specialized services.
Who can approach the One Stop Centres?
There is also flexibility in approaching the One Stop Centre.
Most of the times we see the distressed woman hesitant, unaware or afraid to seek help. In such cases, the woman can reach out to the One Stop Centre through the nearest friends or relatives or any public servant.
Additionally, One Stop Centres can also be accessed through Women Helplines integrated with police, ambulance and other emergency response helplines.
Noteworthy that the
One stop centre, standing true to its name, SAKHI, has been able to support every woman who is a victim of any kind of violence. Gayatri*, a victim of an abusive partner, from the Nagaon district of Assam, has availed the services of 181 and has been able to lead a life of hope and dignity.
Violence against women is simply unacceptable. It is awful when we see women getting abused. For every woman deserves a life of love and respect and equality in true sense.
For all women, who witnessed any form of violence:
You have had enough
For now, you will live
Live with dignity and freedom
And this has to end!!
Take a step against Gender Based Violence – Join us for our Stand Up For Stree Campaign.
