Nirbhaya Fund & One Stop Centres: Free Legal, Medical & Counselling Support for Women
Nirbhaya Fund & One Stop Centres: Free Legal, Medical & Counselling Support for Women
After the horrific 2012 Delhi gang rape, India created the Nirbhaya Fund , a dedicated ₹1,000 crore corpus to support women's safety initiatives. One of its most impactful creations? One Stop Centres (OSCs), also called Sakhi Centres , physical locations where women facing violence can access legal help, medical treatment, police assistance, counselling, and temporary shelter, all under ONE roof. For free.
Yet, most women don't even know these centres exist. This guide changes that.
What Is the Nirbhaya Fund?
The Nirbhaya Fund was established in 2013 by the Government of India with an initial corpus of ₹1,000 crore (subsequently increased) to support initiatives aimed at ensuring women's safety and security.
How the Fund Is Used
| Initiative | Purpose | Budget Allocated |
|---|---|---|
| One Stop Centres (OSCs) | Integrated support for violence survivors | Major allocation |
| Women Helpline (181) | 24x7 telephone helpline | Operational funding |
| Universalization of WHL | Expanding helpline across all districts | ₹89.58 crore |
| Safe City Projects | Surveillance, street lighting, public transport safety | ₹2,919 crore (8 cities) |
| Emergency Response Support System | 112 app and infrastructure | ₹321.69 crore |
| Cyber Crime Prevention | Online safety for women | ₹95.55 crore |
| Mahila Police Volunteers | Women volunteers assisting police | ₹49.49 crore |
Safe City Projects Under Nirbhaya Fund
Eight cities received major funding for women's safety infrastructure: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow.
Initiatives include: CCTV networks, GPS-enabled buses, pink autos/buses, illuminated streets, women-only parking, and smart policing.
What Are One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres)?
One Stop Centres are government-run facilities where women affected by violence , physical, sexual, emotional, domestic, workplace, or any other form , can access multiple services under a single roof.
Services Available at OSCs (ALL FREE)
| Service | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Medical Aid | First aid, medical examination, referral to hospital, forensic examination support |
| Police Facilitation | Help filing FIR, police escort, liaison with investigating officer |
| Legal Aid | Free lawyer, legal counselling, assistance in filing court cases |
| Psycho-social Counselling | Trauma counselling by trained counsellors, follow-up sessions |
| Temporary Shelter | Safe stay for up to 5 days (referral to Swadhar/shelter homes for longer) |
| Video Conferencing | Record statements via video link (avoids re-victimization at police station) |
Who Can Access OSCs?
- Any woman facing violence , regardless of age, caste, religion, marital status, or economic background
- Women facing any type of violence: domestic violence, sexual assault, acid attack, workplace harassment, trafficking, honour-based violence, cybercrime
- Children (through referral to Childline/child welfare)
- Transgender persons are also being included in many centres
Important: No Documentation Required
You do NOT need to bring any documents to access OSC services. No Aadhaar, no ID, no proof of violence. Walk in and you'll receive help.
How to Find an OSC Near You
Online
- Ministry of WCD website: wcd.nic.in/schemes/one-stop-centre-scheme-women
- Google Maps: Search "One Stop Centre" or "Sakhi Centre" + your city
- Women Helpline: Call 181 and ask for the nearest OSC
By State
As of 2026, there are 700+ One Stop Centres operational across all states and UTs. At least one per district.
| Region | Number of OSCs |
|---|---|
| Northern India | 150+ |
| Southern India | 140+ |
| Western India | 120+ |
| Eastern India | 130+ |
| Northeastern India | 60+ |
| UTs | 30+ |
Helpline Numbers
| Helpline | Number | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Women Helpline | 181 | 24x7 support + OSC referral |
| Universal Emergency | 112 | Police, ambulance, fire |
| NCW WhatsApp | 7827-170-170 | File complaints via WhatsApp |
| Domestic Violence | 181 | Legal + counselling support |
| Child Helpline | 1098 | For children and minor girls |
How OSCs Work: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Reach the Centre
- Walk in directly to the nearest OSC
- Or call 181 , they'll guide you and can arrange transport
- Or reach through police referral, hospital referral, or NGO
Step 2: Registration
- Simple, confidential registration at the front desk
- No documents needed
- Information kept strictly confidential
Step 3: Immediate Assessment
- Centre Administrator assesses your immediate needs
- Triage: Do you need medical attention first? Police? Shelter?
Step 4: Service Delivery
If you need medical help:
- First aid provided at the centre
- Referral to nearest empanelled hospital for treatment
- Support during medical examination (forensic/medico-legal if needed)
If you need police help:
- OSC staff help you file an FIR
- Police liaison officer assists with the process
- Video conferencing facility to record statement (Section 164 CrPC) , avoids multiple police station visits
If you need legal help:
- Free legal counsel at the centre
- Assistance with filing cases under DV Act, IPC/BNS, POSH Act
- Court accompaniment support
- Connection with District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for free advocate
If you need counselling:
- Trained counsellor provides immediate psycho-social support
- Follow-up sessions can be arranged
- Family counselling if needed
If you need shelter:
- Temporary stay at OSC for up to 5 days
- Longer-term referral to Swadhar Greh (government shelter homes)
- Children can stay with the mother
Step 5: Follow-Up
- OSC maintains follow-up records
- Tracks your case progress (legal, medical)
- Provides continued counselling support
- Connects you with livelihood programs for economic rehabilitation
Other Nirbhaya Fund Initiatives
1. Women Helpline 181
A 24x7 toll-free helpline available in most states, providing:
- Immediate crisis support
- Referral to police, hospital, or OSC
- Information about women's legal rights
- Guidance on filing complaints
- Available in local languages
2. Mahila Police Volunteers (MPV)
Women from local communities trained to:
- Act as a link between police and women in distress
- Help women navigate the legal system
- Report crimes against women
- Provide initial support and guidance
3. Safe City Project
Infrastructure improvements in 8 major cities:
- CCTV surveillance at hotspots
- Panic buttons in public places
- GPS-tracked public transport (buses, autos)
- Improved street lighting in dark areas
- Women-friendly police patrols
- Pink bus services in select cities
4. Emergency Response Support System (ERSS - 112)
- Unified emergency number 112 across India
- 112 India app with SOS features
- Connected to police, ambulance, and fire services
- GPS-based location tracking for immediate response
Legal Support Available Through OSCs
Cases They Help With
| Type of Violence | Relevant Law | What OSC Does |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | DV Act 2005 | Help file complaint, get protection order |
| Sexual Assault/Rape | BNS Sections 63-69 | FIR, medical examination, legal proceedings |
| Dowry Harassment | Section 3/4 DP Act, BNS 84-86 | Police complaint, legal action |
| Acid Attack | BNS Section 124 | Medical treatment, compensation claim |
| Workplace Harassment | POSH Act 2013 | Legal guidance, complaint filing |
| Trafficking | BNS Section 143 | Rescue, rehabilitation, legal proceedings |
| Cybercrime/Online Harassment | IT Act + BNS | Cybercrime portal, evidence preservation |
| Child Marriage | PCMA 2006 | Prevention, legal action |
Free Legal Aid
Through OSCs, you can access:
- District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) , free advocate for court cases
- State Legal Services Authority , appeals and higher court support
- National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) , policy-level assistance
- No income proof needed , women facing violence are entitled to free legal aid regardless of income
Shelter Homes for Women
Swadhar Greh
Government-run shelter homes for women in difficult circumstances:
- Duration: Up to 3 years (extendable)
- Services: Shelter, food, clothing, medical care, legal aid, vocational training
- For: Women survivors of violence, deserted women, trafficked women, released prisoners with no family support
- How to access: Through OSC referral, Women Helpline 181, or direct approach
Short Stay Homes
- Temporary shelter for up to 3 years
- Counselling and rehabilitation
- Vocational training for economic independence
- Referral through OSC or Women and Child Development department
Working Women's Hostels
For women who need safe accommodation:
- Government-subsidized hostels in major cities
- Monthly rent: ₹1,000-5,000 (subsidized)
- Priority for women from weaker sections
Compensation for Violence Survivors
Victim Compensation Scheme
Each state has a Victim Compensation Scheme that provides:
| Type of Crime | Typical Compensation |
|---|---|
| Rape/Gang Rape | ₹3-10 lakh |
| Acid Attack | ₹3-8 lakh + medical expenses |
| Burns | ₹3-8 lakh |
| Trafficking | ₹1-3 lakh |
| Other violence | ₹1-3 lakh |
- Filed through OSC, police, or court
- Compensation from State Legal Services Authority
- Does not depend on conviction of accused
Acid Attack Survivors
Special provisions:
- Free medical treatment at government hospitals
- Monthly government pension in some states
- Compensation from Victim Compensation Scheme
- Right to free reconstructive surgery
- Disability benefits if applicable
How to Help Other Women Access These Services
Spread Awareness
- Share this information with women in your family, workplace, and community
- Pin the helpline numbers (181, 112) in family WhatsApp groups
- Inform domestic help, drivers' families, and neighbourhood women
Be a Support Person
- Offer to accompany a woman to the OSC
- Help her understand the process
- Don't pressure her to take specific action , support her choices
- Maintain confidentiality about her situation
Report Violence
If you witness or suspect violence against a woman:
- Call 181 or 112
- Visit the nearest OSC
- Inform local Mahila Police Volunteer
- File an online complaint at NCW website (ncw.nic.in)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the OSC tell my family/husband about my visit?
No. All OSC services are strictly confidential. Information is shared only with your consent and only with agencies involved in helping you (police, hospital, lawyer). The centre cannot disclose your visit to your family without your permission.
Can I visit an OSC even if I haven't filed an FIR?
Absolutely. You don't need to have filed an FIR or any formal complaint. You can visit for counselling, legal advice, or simply to understand your options. You decide what steps to take.
Are OSCs available 24/7?
Most OSCs operate during business hours (9 AM - 5 PM), but many in larger cities offer extended hours or 24/7 service. The Women Helpline 181 is available 24/7 and can provide immediate guidance at any hour.
Can a man accompany a woman to the OSC?
Yes, a male family member, friend, or support person can accompany the woman. However, the alleged perpetrator will not be allowed inside. Services and counselling sessions are provided in private.
Conclusion
The Nirbhaya Fund and One Stop Centres represent India's commitment to women's safety , but they only work if women know about them. Free legal aid, free medical help, free counselling, police facilitation, and temporary shelter , all under one roof, no questions asked.
Save these numbers in your phone right now:
- 181 , Women Helpline
- 112 , Emergency
- 7827-170-170 , NCW WhatsApp
And tell every woman you know. Because knowing where to go for help is the first step towards safety.
Madad maangna kamzori nahi hai , yeh sabse badi himmat hai.
Information based on Ministry of Women and Child Development guidelines as of 2026. Service availability may vary by state and district.