DC Srinagar reviews functioning of One Stop Centre

• Stresses proactive approach in reaching out to the women in distress, ensuring timely assistance to victims

SRINAGAR: With an aim to ensure effective support for women affected by violence, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today chaired a meeting at DC Office here to review the functioning of One Stop Centre (OSC), Bemina in helping women in distress and battling any form of violence.

At the outset, DC held a detailed review of the working of One Stop Centre and discussed various issues to further strengthen and broaden the activities of OSC. He directed the Officers to handle the cases of victims in a compassionate manner with extra care and precautions so that the affected women are rehabilitated with dignity.

The DC directed the concerned to show proactive approach in reaching out to the women in distress and cooperation to provide timely assistance to victims with legal protection. He also directed to spread mass awareness about the services of OSC through different kinds of IEC activities. He also stressed on increasing linkage of OSC with Police Stations.

Dr Bilal assured additional support from the administration for ensuring effective and efficient functioning of the One Stop Centre so that women in distress are provided integrated support and assistance both in private and public spaces, under one roof.

The meeting was informed that as many as 727 women visited the OSC Bemina and registered complaints, out of which 310 affected women were provided proper counseling at the centre while free legal aid was given to 188. In addition, free Medical aid has been given to 17 affected women, police assistance to 76 and shelter to 20 women victims of violence in the District.

The meeting was also informed that women victim of domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry demand, property dispute etc can register her complaint on National Women Helpline 181 for seeking assistance.