One Stop Centre (Sakhi) — Help for Women in Crisis

What is One Stop Centre (Sakhi)?

One Stop Centre (OSC) — commonly called Sakhi — is a Government of India scheme that provides integrated, free support services to women and girls who face or are at risk of violence. It brings police, medical, legal, shelter, and psychological support under one roof so that a woman in crisis doesn't have to run from one government office to another.

The scheme is run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Key services at every OSC:

• Emergency rescue — crisis intervention within 24 hours
• Medical assistance — first aid, treatment linkage, medico-legal examination
• Police facilitation — help filing FIR, police accompaniment
• Legal aid — free legal consultation and court support
• Psychological counselling — trauma counselling by trained counsellors
• Short-term shelter — up to 5 days (can be extended)
• Video conferencing — for testimonies / court proceedings without physical presence

Who Can Approach Sakhi OSC?

Any woman or girl who is a victim of or at risk of:

• Domestic violence (marital violence, in-law violence)
• Sexual assault / rape
• Acid attack
• Trafficking / forced prostitution
• Stalking / cybercrime / online harassment
• Child marriage (girl about to be married off)
• Dowry harassment or dowry death
• Abandonment / desertion

No income limit. No age limit (for girls — their guardian or CHILDLINE can accompany).

How to Contact / Access an OSC

Call 181 (Women's Helpline — 24x7)

• 181 is the toll-free, 24x7 women's helpline
• Available in all states
• Call from any phone — no registration needed
• The helpline connects you to your nearest OSC or helps you access services

Visit Your District's OSC

• Most districts have one OSC — typically located at or near the District Hospital
• No appointment needed — walk in at any time
• Bring any identification if possible, but NO documents are required to access emergency services

Who Can Refer a Woman to OSC?

• The woman herself
• Police
• Hospital / doctor
• NGOs and social workers
• Anganwadi workers or ASHA workers
• Courts and magistrates
• CHILDLINE (for minor girls)

Services Provided at OSC — In Detail

Sakhi OSC Near You

OSCs are in 640+ districts across India. To find yours:

1. Go to wcd.nic.in
2. Check the list of operational OSCs by state/district
3. OR call 181 — the helpline will direct you to the nearest OSC

Legal Protections Available Through OSC

The OSC helps women access legal protection under:

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 — Protection Orders, Maintenance Orders
• Section 498A IPC — cruelty by husband / in-laws
• POCSO Act — for girls under 18 facing sexual abuse
• Anti-Trafficking Law — for women trafficked or in forced labour
• Anti-Stalking provisions — Section 354D IPC

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I contact OSC for emotional support without a physical crisis?

Yes — psychological counselling is available even if you are not in immediate physical danger but are facing emotional abuse, marital stress, or harassment.

Will my family find out if I call 181?

The helpline maintains confidentiality. If you call from your home phone, be aware that the number appears in call logs. Use a friend's phone or a public phone if needed for privacy.

I am a man. Can I refer my sister/mother to OSC?

Yes — family members, friends, or any concerned person can refer a woman to OSC. The woman must ultimately consent to services (except in emergencies).

What if the OSC staff are not helpful?

Report to the District Collector / District Magistrate. Also escalate to the National Commission for Women (NCW) at ncwapps.nic.in or call NCW helpline 7217735372.

Is OSC only for married women facing domestic violence?

No — OSC serves all women facing any form of violence — unmarried, divorced, widowed, trafficking victims, rape survivors, minors (with guardian). No marital status restriction.

Official Links

• Scheme details: wcd.nic.in
• Women's Helpline: 181 (24x7, toll-free)
• National Commission for Women: ncw.nic.in
• CHILDLINE (for girls under 18): 1098
• Police emergency: 100 / 112