TORONTO, Canada, December 27 (ANI): The Consulate General of India in Toronto has officially launched the One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW) to support Indian national women in distress, particularly those facing domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, abandonment, exploitation, or legal challenges in Canada.
For many Indian women relocating to Canada, the move represents hope and opportunity. However, for those who find themselves isolated or caught in situations of domestic conflict or legal hardship, navigating support systems can be overwhelming. The newly launched Centre seeks to address this gap by providing coordinated and timely assistance.
According to the Consulate, the OSCW will offer immediate counseling, psychosocial support, and coordination of legal assistance and advice, while also helping women access relevant community and social service resources in Canada.
In a press release, the Consulate said the Centre will deliver beneficiary-centered support by connecting aggrieved women to appropriate pathways of assistance, including counseling, facilitation of psychosocial care, and legal coordination, all within the purview of Canadian law.
The Centre will be run by a woman Centre Administrator, who will ensure the provision of safe, dignified, and comprehensive assistance to women in need on a means-tested basis. The administrator will also handle distress calls through a 24/7 helpline.
The Consulate noted that services will include counseling and emotional support through empaneled non-governmental organizations. Any financial assistance will be provided strictly on a means-tested basis in accordance with Government of India rules.
The OSCW will operate from the premises of the Consulate General of India in Toronto. The Centre Administrator can be contacted at +1 (437) 552 3309 or via email at [email protected].
The launch of the Centre adds to the range of services provided by the Indian Consulate, including passport and visa services, Overseas Citizen of India documentation, police clearance certificates, and other consular assistance.
Officials described the initiative as a lifeline for Indian women abroad, aimed at ensuring that no woman has to face a crisis in a foreign country alone. The OSCW is intended to bridge the gap between immediate distress and long-term stability.
Designed as a safe and empathetic space, the Centre emphasizes women-led support, with a focus on dignity, confidentiality, and access to essential resources. The service is exclusively available to women holding Indian passports and reflects a move toward more proactive, beneficiary-centered diplomatic support for the Indian diaspora.
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