07-07-2025
One-stop centres struggling to serve women in crisis
Ranchi: Jharkhand's one-stop centres (OSC), established to provide support and assistance to women affected by various forms of violence are in dilapidated condition, deterring the survivors from turning to them for help, revealed a study conducted by an organisation that supports victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
The Women Gaining Ground (WGG), along with YUVA, an East Singhbhum-based organisation, conducted a sample survey in two OSCs in Jharkhand — one in Ranchi and the other in Jamshedpur. The state has a total of 24 OSCs.
The survey highlights that many OSCs in the state are grappling with multiple challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and acute staff crunch. "The very institutions that were meant to serve as safe havens for women in distress are themselves in distress.
The lack of basic amenities and trained personnel, coupled with a lack of awareness among the women that they can seek help in these centres, is deteriorating the condition of the centres.
In the centres studied, we found that there were not adequate staff members and amenities to assist the distressed women," said Anjana Deogam, project coordinator of the survey.
Anjana added that during the survey found that both the OSC in Jharkhand are operational only eight hours a day, although they should remain open round the clock.
Established under the ministry of women and child development's scheme, OSCs are intended to provide medical assistance, police support, legal aid, and psychological counselling under one roof.
However, the study found that these services are either partially functional or absent.
Ranchi: Jharkhand's one-stop centres (OSC), established to provide support and assistance to women affected by various forms of violence are in dilapidated condition, deterring the survivors from turning to them for help, revealed a study conducted by an organisation that supports victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
The Women Gaining Ground (WGG), along with YUVA, an East Singhbhum-based organisation, conducted a sample survey in two OSCs in Jharkhand — one in Ranchi and the other in Jamshedpur. The state has a total of 24 OSCs.
The survey highlights that many OSCs in the state are grappling with multiple challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and acute staff crunch. "The very institutions that were meant to serve as safe havens for women in distress are themselves in distress.
The lack of basic amenities and trained personnel, coupled with a lack of awareness among the women that they can seek help in these centres, is deteriorating the condition of the centres.
In the centres studied, we found that there were not adequate staff members and amenities to assist the distressed women," said Anjana Deogam, project coordinator of the survey.
Anjana added that during the survey found that both the OSC in Jharkhand are operational only eight hours a day, although they should remain open round the clock.
Established under the ministry of women and child development's scheme, OSCs are intended to provide medical assistance, police support, legal aid, and psychological counselling under one roof.
However, the study found that these services are either partially functional or absent.
