India Opens One-Stop Support Centre for Women in Canada
Toronto-based OSCW offers counselling, legal aid and crisis support to Indian women facing abuse, disputes and distress.
- India fully operationalises OSCW at Toronto Consulate
- Centre supports Indian students, workers and residents in distress
- Provides counselling, psycho-social and legal assistance
- Over a dozen women approached the centre within days
GG News Bureau
Toronto, 7th Jan: In a major relief initiative for Indian women living in Canada, the Consulate General of India has fully operationalised the ‘One Stop Centre for Women’ (OSCW) to provide comprehensive support to women in distress at a single point.
The centre has been established to assist women of Indian origin facing challenges such as domestic violence, abuse, family disputes, financial distress, exploitation and legal complications. The facility is open not only to permanent residents but also to Indian students, working professionals and women temporarily residing in Canada.
Acting Consul General of India in Toronto, Kapidhwaj Pratap Singh, said the centre aims to create a strong bridge between Indian women and Indian as well as Canadian authorities. He noted that cultural and social barriers often prevent women from openly sharing their concerns, and the OSCW is designed to provide a trusted and confidential support mechanism.
According to the Consulate, more than a dozen women have already approached the centre within days of its launch. Beneficiaries are being provided counselling, psycho-social assistance and guidance on accessing financial and legal support, along with linkages to relevant community and government resources.
In an official statement, the Consulate clarified that the One Stop Centre for Women will function strictly within the framework of Canadian laws and is committed to ensuring timely, safe and dignified assistance to women in need.
