One Stop Centre (Sakhi): Complete Support for Women Affected by Violence

The One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme, popularly known as Sakhi, is a Central Government initiative under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence — both in private and public spaces — through a single centre offering medical, legal, police, counselling, and shelter services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What is One Stop Centre (Sakhi)?

Launched in 2015, the One Stop Centre scheme was envisioned to provide a single-window facility where women facing any form of violence can access all essential services under one roof. Women can reach out by:

• Calling Women Helpline 181 (toll-free)
• Visiting the OSC directly — centres are established in every district
• Being referred by police, hospitals, courts, or other agencies

The scheme is funded through the Nirbhaya Fund and is part of the umbrella Mission Shakti programme.

Who Can Access One Stop Centre?

• Any woman affected by violence, irrespective of age, class, caste, religion, or marital status
• Girls below 18 years — referred to as "girl children" under the scheme
• Women facing any form of violence including:
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual assault and rape
  • Acid attacks
  • Trafficking
  • Workplace harassment
  • Dowry-related violence
  • Honour-based violence
  • Cyber crimes against women
  • Any other gender-based violence

No documents are required to access the centre. Services are available to all women in need.

Services Available at One Stop Centre

1. Emergency Response

• Immediate rescue and assistance
• Access through Women Helpline 181

2. Medical Assistance

• First-aid and medical examination
• Referral to hospitals for treatment
• Medico-legal care (MLC) documentation

3. Police Facilitation

• Help in filing FIR/NCR
• Police escort and protection
• Liaison with local police station

4. Legal Aid

• Free legal counselling
• Help in filing court cases
• Assistance through Legal Services Authority

5. Psycho-Social Counselling

• Trauma counselling by trained counsellors
• Psychological support and therapy
• Emotional healing support

6. Temporary Shelter

• Safe shelter for up to 5 days
• Food and basic amenities
• Referral to Swadhar Greh for longer stay

7. Video Conferencing

• Facility for recording statements
• Virtual court proceedings
• Evidence documentation

How to Access One Stop Centre

Method 1: Call Women Helpline 181

1. Dial 181 (toll-free) from any phone
2. Report the issue — describe the situation to the helpline operator
3. Help is dispatched — the helpline connects you to the nearest OSC
4. Receive support — OSC staff provides immediate assistance

Method 2: Visit Directly

1. Find nearest OSC — One Stop Centres are established in every district of India
2. Walk in — visit the centre at any time (open 24/7)
3. No documents needed — services are provided without requiring any ID or documents
4. Register — basic details are recorded for follow-up
5. Receive services — access medical, legal, police, counselling, or shelter support as needed

Method 3: Referral

• Police stations, hospitals, courts, NGOs, or any concerned citizen can refer a woman to the OSC
• The woman can also be brought to the OSC by police or ambulance

Important Details

Important Tips

1. Save 181 — Save the Women Helpline number 181 on your phone. Share it with women in your family and community
2. No documents needed — Do not hesitate to visit an OSC if you don't have ID documents. Services are provided to all women without any documentation requirement
3. Confidentiality — All information shared at the OSC is kept confidential
4. Also know 112 — For immediate emergency, call 112 (national emergency number). For women-specific support, call 181
5. Spread awareness — Many women are not aware of One Stop Centres. Share this information in your community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is One Stop Centre available in every district?

Yes, the Government of India has established One Stop Centres in all districts across the country. Over 700 OSCs are operational.

Q2. Do I need to pay for services at OSC?

No, all services at One Stop Centre — medical, legal, counselling, shelter, and police facilitation — are completely free.

Q3. Can a man report domestic violence on behalf of a woman?

Yes, any person can call 181 or visit the OSC to report violence against a woman. The services are for the affected woman, but anyone can seek help on her behalf.

Q4. Is my identity kept confidential?

Yes, strict confidentiality is maintained. The identity and details of the woman are not disclosed without her consent.

Q5. How long can a woman stay at the shelter?

Temporary shelter is available for up to 5 days at the OSC. For longer-term shelter, women are referred to Swadhar Greh or other shelter homes.

Q6. Can unmarried women or girls access OSC?

Yes, the scheme is for all women and girls irrespective of age, marital status, caste, or religion. Girls below 18 are also provided services, with special procedures under child protection laws.

Q7. What is the difference between 181 and 112?

181 is the dedicated Women Helpline for women-specific issues (violence, harassment, domestic abuse). 112 is the national emergency number for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance).

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of India. For official information, visit wcd.nic.in or call Women Helpline 181.