Padmapani Foundation
To End Gender-Based Violence: Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) Kamareddy and Karimnagar Districts
Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) Kamareddy and Karimnagar District, PSHE is the support agency in collaboration with the Women and Child Development Department, aims to provide holistic support to women affected by gender-based violence. Since 2023, PSHE is Supporting Sakhi OSC Kamareddy and 2024 , PSHE is Supporting Sakhi OSC Karimnagar, the project focuses on women and girls who are victims of any form of violence, offering them necessary services and support mechanisms to restore their dignity and safety. This is a central government scheme under Mission Sakthi,implemented all over India. The initiative leverages the expertise of trained staff working in coordination with multiple stakeholders to address various forms of violence against women. Currently, the project employs a dedicated team of professionals, including counsellors, legal advisors, and social workers, paramedical staffs who provide both immediate and long-term support to women in distress.
Project Partners:
The project is supported by Government of India and the project is central government scheme, Mission Sakhti, in association with Women and Child Department.Start Year:
PSHE Supporting the project in 2023 in Kamareddy and 2024 in Karimnagar and has continued to expand its operations.Staff Count:
The project is supported by a team consisting of 13 staffs at one OSC.Activities and Implementation
The Sakhi Centre offers a wide range of services designed to provide immediate assistance, long-term support, and prevention efforts. The key activities include:• Helpline Service (24/7): A round-the-clock helpline that provides immediate support to women in distress.
• Immediate and Non-immediate Services: This includes emergency rescue services, medical aid, legal advice, and police intervention when necessary.
• Short-term Shelter Services: Temporary housing for women who need immediate protection and shelter.
• Rescue Operations: Coordinating with law enforcement agencies to rescue victims from dangerous situations.
• Psycho-social Support: Counseling services to help victims deal with trauma and regain mental well-being.
• Legal, Medical, and Police Aid: Assistance in accessing legal services, medical treatment, and police protection when required.
• Awareness Campaigns: Conducting outreach programs to raise awareness about gender-based violence and the services available at the Sakhi Centre.
• Rehabilitation Services: Long-term support for women to reintegrate into society through vocational training, counselling, and continuous follow-up.
Approach:
1. First Contact: Women reach out to Sakhi through the 24/7 helpline or direct walk-ins.2. Initial Assessment: A team of professionals assesses the immediate needs of the woman, be it medical attention, shelter, or legal aid.
3. Implementation of Services: Based on the assessment, appropriate services are provided, including shelter, counselling, or legal action.
4. Follow-up and Rehabilitation: Continuous support is provided for women to reintegrate into society, including vocational training or long-term psychological counselling.
Project Specific Goals:
• To provide a safe environment for women affected by violence.• To offer comprehensive services that include legal, medical, and psychological support.
• To raise awareness among the general population about gender-based violence and the resources available for victims.
• To enable women to rebuild their lives through rehabilitation and vocational support programs.
Impact and Outcomes
Since its inception till the date, the Sakhi Centre at Kamareddy has made a significant impact on the lives of women in distress. To date, 1,110 women have received immediate and comprehensive services ranging from legal aid to psychological counselling. Additionally, the project has successfully provided temporary shelter to 421 women, ensuring their safety during critical times. The 24/7 helpline has been instrumental in offering immediate support, resulting in the rescue of several women from dangerous situations.The Sakhi Centre has also been proactive in raising awareness about gender-based violence, sensitizing over 29,309 people through community outreach programs and awareness campaigns. By educating the public and providing direct support to victims, the project aims to reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence in Kamareddy.