Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 24: 'Sakhi’, is a one stop centre for women who undergo problems such as domestic violence, rape, harassment and many other such issues. The centre provides all the facilities such as legal assistance, counselling, medical treatment, police help and temporary stay facility for women.

The one stop centre Sakhi is functioning at new building of Lady Goschen hospital. A new building adjacent to the hospital exclusively for Sakhi is under construction. After completion, the centre will soon be shifted to the new building.

Sakhi was started in January 2019. Since its inception until August 2020, Sakhi registered 232 cases which includes cases like domestic violence, rape, sexual offence, acid attack, women trafficking, child sexual abuse, child marriage, missing and kidnapping, and dowry harassment.

Eight dedicated staff are working at Sakhi one stop centre which includes an administrator, a counsellor, two legal counsellors, two social workers and two security staff. During the day, a women cop will be deployed at the centre. The centre functions 24x7 where one security and one social worker will be working in the night shift.

The new building that is coming up adjacent to Lady Goschen hospital has a consultation room, living room, counselling room, administrator room and wards.

Speaking to Daijiworld.com, centre administrator Priya said, "We get more cases on domestic violence and rape. Anyone who approaches our centres will get all kind of assistance. We have efficient counsellors who do their work and convince the victims and develop confidence in them. During the lockdown period, we got less number of domestic violence cases.

"About 90 percent cases are alcohol related domestic violence. It is very rare that these cases go till the court. In the beginning, we take their statements and try to convince both the families in two sittings. In the third step, we have phone conversation while in fourth we visit their houses. We continuously follow up the cases and make sure that it ends in a positive way and justice is done to the victim. When there is alcohol related domestic violence, we recommend them de-addiction centres. Rape cases are recommended to our centres from the police for further assistance.

"Several women step back in approaching the centre. There will be many such cases not recorded as women hesitate to come forward. Whenever women face any issues, they should not hesitate to approach the centre as we will provide all assistance, support for the victim and make them feel comfortable.

"It is also a good sign that parents are taking up the initiative when their children are affected and approach the centre for assistance.

“Recently two acid attack cases were reported. Providing compensation for the victim is under process which soon will be handed over,” she said.

Address:

Sakhi one stop centre
Lady Goschen hospital
Ph: 0824-244122 and Priya: +91 7259107284