Sun Apr 13 11:38:13 UTC 2025: **Karnataka’s One-Stop Centers for Women in Distress Face Resource Shortfalls Despite Increased Caseload**

Bengaluru, April 13, 2025 – Karnataka’s 39 One Stop Centers (OSCs), also known as Sakhi Centers, aided 17,944 distressed women between 2021-2024, according to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. While this reflects an increase in reported cases of domestic abuse, POCSO violations, and other forms of violence against women, activists argue that the number of centers is insufficient for a state of Karnataka’s size.

Each center handles 10-30 cases monthly, primarily involving women needing medical, legal, or counselling services. One administrator shared a success story of resolving a complex family dispute involving an extramarital affair and domestic abuse through joint counseling.

However, K.S. Vimala of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) criticized the system’s shortcomings. She pointed out that despite increased reporting, insufficient convictions and a lack of police sensitization highlight the centers’ operational inadequacies. She advocates for more centers, ideally within each police station, and a greater societal impact to change mindsets.

While Karnataka ranks fifth nationally in the number of OSCs, behind Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, activists emphasize the need for significantly increased resources to effectively address the growing number of crimes against women.

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