Budgam, Mar 07 : Amid rise in crimes against women, the Sakhi One Stop Centre has emerged as a major safeguard against the crimes against women, marking an important step in the empowerment and protection of women in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Established in December 2022 under the aegis of the Social Welfare Department, for thousands of people, the centre is now turning out to be a beacon of hope.
Centre Administrator Gousia Rafiq Khan while talking to the news agency—) said that, since its inception, the center has successfully resolved 170 cases related to domestic violence, sexual harassment, sextortion, and various other crimes against women, providing a vital support system for those in need.
“We conduct ground-level programmes in rural areas and panchayat blocks. After the ladies there learn about this centre, those in need of assistance get in touch with us for immediate assistance; in these cases, we don’t question them about their identity or other personal information; instead, we just try to provide them with shelter and medical assistance.
“In a suitable manner, when they feel capable of doing so, they share their stories with us. Our main goal is to solve the issues through counselling; if that fails, we seek out legal or police support,” she added.
“We have observed that the centre continues to have a positive impact for Budgam’s women, providing support and safety when they need it,” she said.
The Sakhi One Stop Center in Budgam stands as a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of women. The recent success in dismantling a human trafficking ring reflects the dedication of our team and the importance of such centers in our communities, she said.
“In a recent major achievement, the One Stop Center played a pivotal role in busting a human trafficking gang operating in Soibugh area of Budgam. The team successfully rescued a non-local lady, handing her over to her in-laws. Criminals involved in the trafficking were promptly booked under the relevant sections of the law,” she said.
The center’s comprehensive approach, involving immediate intervention, legal action, and support for victims, has positioned it as a crucial resource in the fight against women crimes.
