The Consulate General of India in Toronto has launched a 24/7 One Stop Center for Women to assist Indian women facing various forms of distress, including domestic violence and legal challenges.
TORONTO – The Consulate General of India in Toronto has established a dedicated One Stop Center for Women aimed at supporting Indian women in distress. This initiative addresses issues such as domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, abandonment, exploitation, and legal difficulties.
The center will operate from the Indian mission in Toronto, providing a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of affected women. In a statement, the Consulate emphasized that the facility will offer coordinated, beneficiary-centered assistance by connecting women with timely and appropriate support services.
Services available at the One Stop Center will include immediate counseling, access to psycho-social support, and coordination of legal assistance and advice. Additionally, the center will help women connect with relevant community and social service resources throughout Canada. The Consulate has assured that all interventions will be conducted in accordance with local Canadian laws.
The One Stop Center will be managed by a female administrator and will provide safe, dignified, and comprehensive assistance to women in need, based on a means-tested approach. Support will be accessible through a 24/7 helpline that facilitates prompt handling of distress calls. Counseling and emotional support will be provided through partnerships with empaneled non-governmental organizations.
Financial assistance, when extended, will also be subject to means testing in accordance with Government of India regulations, as stated by the Consulate.
This announcement comes in the wake of a tragic incident involving a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman, Himanshi Khurana, who was recently found murdered in Toronto. Canadian police have issued a nationwide arrest warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, a Toronto resident known to the victim, in connection with her death, according to local media reports citing law enforcement officials.
The establishment of the One Stop Center reflects the Consulate’s commitment to providing essential support to Indian women facing various challenges in Canada, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to navigate difficult circumstances.
According to India-West, the center is expected to play a crucial role in empowering women and fostering a safer environment for the Indian community in Toronto.