In India, women and children often face challenges such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, and other gender-based crimes. Addressing these issues, the Government of India launched the One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence. Assam, like other states, has implemented One Stop Centres to ensure timely and effective aid for women in distress. These centres offer medical, legal, psychological, and police assistance under one roof, ensuring that survivors receive the help they need without unnecessary delays.
Assam, with its diverse culture and geographical challenges, has made significant efforts to strengthen the support system for women in need. The One Stop Centres in the state operate with the primary objective of providing immediate assistance, including emergency response, legal aid, and rehabilitation services. Whether a woman is facing domestic violence, sexual harassment, cybercrime threats, or human trafficking, she can reach out to an OSC for prompt help. These centres play a crucial role in bridging the gap between victims and various support systems.
Many women are still unaware of how to access these centres and the services they provide. To ensure that every woman in Assam knows how to seek help from an OSC, this step-by-step guide will provide detailed information on how to contact, avail services, and benefit from the facilities offered by the One Stop Centre in Assam.
Understanding One Stop Centre Assam
One Stop Centres (OSCs) are government-run facilities designed to provide integrated assistance to women facing any form of violence. These centres function under the Ministry of Women and Child Development and are established in each district of Assam. The primary aim of these centres is to provide medical aid, legal counseling, psychological support, and temporary shelter to survivors of violence.
Services Provided by One Stop Centre Assam
- Medical Assistance: Victims of physical or sexual assault receive immediate medical care, including first aid and referral services.
- Legal Aid and Counseling: Women facing domestic violence, workplace harassment, or any legal issues receive free legal assistance and guidance on filing complaints.
- Police Assistance: OSCs coordinate with the local police to ensure swift action in cases of violence.
- Psycho-Social Support: Trained counselors provide emotional and psychological support to victims to help them recover from trauma.
- Emergency Shelter: Short-term accommodation is available for women who need immediate protection.
- Referral Services: The OSC connects victims with appropriate organizations, NGOs, and government schemes for further rehabilitation and assistance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Seeking Help from One Stop Centre Assam
Step 1: Identify the Nearest One Stop Centre
The first step is to locate the nearest One Stop Centre in Assam. Each district has at least one OSC, and women can find their closest centre by:
- Visiting the official website of the Women and Child Development Department.
- Calling the Women’s Helpline number 181.
- Visiting the nearest police station, where officers can guide them to an OSC.
Step 2: Contacting the One Stop Centre
Women in distress can reach out to the OSC through various means:
- Calling the OSC Helpline: Each centre has a dedicated phone number for immediate support.
- Walking into the Centre: Women can visit the centre directly to seek help.
- Approaching via NGOs or Local Authorities: If unsure about direct contact, victims can reach out through NGOs or local government representatives who can facilitate communication with the OSC.
Step 3: Registering the Complaint
Upon arrival at the OSC, a case registration process begins. The survivor may need to provide:
- Personal details (name, age, address, contact information).
- Details of the incident (date, location, type of violence faced).
- Any supporting documents or evidence (medical reports, photographs, legal documents, etc.).
If the victim prefers confidentiality, the OSC staff ensures a private and secure registration process.
Step 4: Availing the Necessary Assistance
Once registered, the OSC staff will evaluate the situation and provide the necessary services:
- Medical Examination: If the victim has physical injuries, immediate medical care is provided.
- Counseling Support: A trained counselor offers emotional and psychological assistance.
- Legal Aid: The OSC assigns a legal expert to guide the victim through legal proceedings and help file complaints if necessary.
- Police Assistance: If a criminal act has been committed, the OSC facilitates lodging an FIR with the police.
- Shelter Facility: If needed, the victim is offered temporary shelter for safety.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Rehabilitation Support
After receiving initial assistance, the OSC ensures continued support for the survivor. Follow-up services may include:
- Connecting with NGOs for long-term rehabilitation.
- Providing skill development training for financial independence.
- Assisting in legal proceedings for justice and compensation claims.
- Ensuring continued counseling sessions to help the survivor recover emotionally.
Important Contact Information
- Women’s Helpline (181): A 24/7 helpline for immediate assistance.
- One Stop Centre Helpline: Each district in Assam has its own OSC contact number.
- Police Helpline (100/112): For emergency police assistance.
- Childline (1098): For cases involving minors in distress.