One Stop Centre (Sakhi Centre) in India: Services, Access and Safety
A clear guide to One Stop Centres for women affected by violence or distress: available support, ways to find a current local centre, temporary shelter limits, referrals and questions to ask before sharing information.
In this guide
What does a One Stop Centre offer?
A One Stop Centre (OSC), often called a Sakhi Centre, is a district-level support service under Mission Shakti for women affected by violence, abuse or trauma. The Ministry lists medical, legal, police, temporary-shelter and psychosocial or counselling support. The WCD page checked on 27 September 2026 lists 770 functional centres and links a current State and district list; availability, contact details and referral arrangements should still be confirmed locally.
Ask for the service you need; you do not have to use every service
A woman may need a medical referral, help contacting police, legal information, counselling, a safe place for a short period, or support reaching another programme. Ask which services are available at that centre today and whether you can speak first without deciding about every later step. Immediate danger or serious injury needs an emergency response as well.
Understand the temporary-shelter limit
The Ministry’s OSC page says temporary shelter at a centre may be available for up to five days. An OSC is not a long-term housing guarantee. If longer accommodation is needed, ask the centre or district Women and Child Development office about current Shakti Sadan or other local shelter routes, admission steps and whether a referral is required.
Ask about children who may accompany you
The current Ministry FAQ says a woman may stay with daughters of any age and sons up to age 12 at an OSC. If the accompanying child is older, has a disability or needs specialised care, ask the local centre what safe arrangement is available. Where the person seeking help is under 18, child-protection laws and authorities may affect the process; ask staff to explain the child-specific route.
| District and centre contact | Safe way to reach me | Support needed today | Questions about information-sharing | Referral and next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
How do you find and contact a local Sakhi Centre?
Use the current official centre list
Open the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s One Stop Centre page and use its linked State and district list. Confirm the phone number and address before travelling, because centres and contact details can change. If the list is unclear, call the district Women and Child Development office or ask a local hospital, police women’s help desk or trusted women’s organisation to connect you.
Use Women Helpline 181 where it operates
The Ministry says 181 can connect non-emergency callers with OSCs and other support. Its current page checked on 27 September 2026 lists West Bengal as an exception to 181 operations; if you are there, contact the district centre or department directly. In immediate danger, call 112 if safe and available.
Before travelling, check access and safety details
Ask whether the centre is open, whether transport can be arranged, whether you can bring children, what languages are available, and which entrance or person to ask for. If the person causing harm can monitor your location, use a safe phone and do not leave a printed route or message where it may be found.
What should you ask about privacy, records and follow-up?
Ask what will be recorded before giving details
A centre may need information to arrange services or comply with law. Ask what will be written down, who can access it, whether information will be shared with police or another service, and whether you can receive general information before giving identifying details. Staff should explain any limits, including duties that can apply when a child may be at risk.
Bring useful records only if it is safe
A phone number, medical record, identity document or prior complaint reference may help with a referral, but do not postpone urgent support because you lack paperwork. Ask the centre what is actually required for the service you want. Keep originals and sensitive records with you unless you understand who will hold them and how they can be retrieved.
Leave with a named next contact
Before ending a visit or call, ask for the name or role of the person handling the referral, a safe contact method, the next date and what to do if the plan fails. If legal help is needed, ask about the District Legal Services Authority or NALSA. If the first contact is unsafe or unresponsive, ask for a district-level escalation route.
One Stop Centre in India: FAQs
Are One Stop Centres only for domestic violence?
No. The Ministry describes them as support for women affected by violence, abuse, trauma or distress. Ask the centre whether your situation fits its current service remit and where it can refer a need it cannot meet.
Does an OSC provide long-term housing?
The Ministry describes OSC accommodation as temporary shelter for up to five days. If you need a longer stay, ask about Shakti Sadan or other verified State and district services; admission and available places vary.
Do I have to call the police before contacting an OSC?
The Ministry lists police assistance as one available service, but local referral and reporting duties can depend on the facts, age and immediate risk. Ask the centre what will happen before sharing details, and seek legal aid if you need to understand a reporting or confidentiality question. Do not delay emergency medical help.
Can a supporter contact the centre with me?
A supporter can help find the centre or make a call if the woman wants that. Ask the centre how the woman can speak privately, choose what information is shared and decide the next step, subject to legal duties that staff explain.
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Sources and publication record
Draft prepared 27 September 2026; domain, legal and human Hindi editorial review pending · Sources checked .
- One Stop Centre services and current centre listMinistry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- Women Helpline 181: services, access and current State/UT availabilityMinistry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- Emergency Response Support System 112Ministry of Home Affairs
- Free legal services and National Legal Aid Helpline 15100National Legal Services Authority
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015India Code, Legislative Department
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012India Code, Legislative Department