One-Stop Centres (OSCs), established both in private and public spaces in some countries around the world, provide integrated, multidisciplinary and cost-free support/assistance under one roof to women, girls and children affected by violence and abuse. These centres facilitate immediate access, both for emergency and non-emergency situations, to a range of services, including medical, legal aid, temporary shelter, police assistance, and psychological counselling support for survivors of abuse. In cases where these centres are unable to offer such multidisciplinary services on-site, they employ a referral approach, directing survivors of abuse or violence to their identified partners who provide specific support services while ensuring mutual coordination.

Most of the One Stop Centres in the world are either hospital-based as in Thailand and Zambia or police/justice-based as in Denmark and Mexico. Hospital based OSCs are far more effective at delivering medical care and behavioural and mental health services. Police-based or justice centres are far more effective at addressing legal issues, but often not that effective at connecting victims/survivors to healthcare or mental health providers.

In India, One Stop Centres have been established in every district of the country which provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and in distress. The needy women including those affected by violence along with their children (girls of all ages........

© Pakistan Observer