One-stop centre comes to aid of victims of rape, violence

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 20

Sakhi, the one-stop centre operational at the local Civil Hospital, has provided vital assistance to around 63 victims of domestic violence and exploitation.

The one-stop-centre has offered assistance to 63 victims of cases of 

rape, domestic violence, physical and mental harassment, besides others. The help involves police assistance, healthcare and shelter among other things. 

Divulging details, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma said the centre had proved to be a boon for women who were facing any sort of problem. 

He said the one-stop-centre, Sakhi, provided an integrated range of services to women affected by violence, exploitation or any other problem. 

Sharma said these services include medical aid, police assistance, legal aid/case management, psychosocial counselling and temporary support services.

The Deputy Commissioner said victim women could reach the centres physically or approach through phone. 

He said the centre provides support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces, besides safeguarding their interests in other cases of sexual exploitation and physical or mental torture among others. 

Sharma said in case a victim was a minor, the cases were solved in coordination with authorities/institutions established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012.

Meanwhile, the coordinator of the centre, Sandeep Kaur, said the centre was working round-the-clock to help victim women, if the case arises. 

She said besides staff, the centre also takes help of the local authorities to safeguard the interests of the victims. 

Sandeep Kaur said the basic purpose was to ensure that rights of the victim were protected and they were able to secure justice through proper assistance by the authorities.