Sat Dec 27 12:34:31 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Indian Consulate General in Toronto has established a “One Stop Centre for Women” to provide support to Indian women in distress, including those facing domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, abandonment, exploitation, and legal challenges. The center offers a 24/7 helpline, counselling, psycho-social support, legal assistance, and connections to community resources, operating within Canadian law. The initiative aims to provide timely and comprehensive assistance to women in need, with financial aid available based on a means test.

News Article:

Indian Consulate in Toronto Opens ‘One Stop Centre for Women’ to Aid Those in Distress

Toronto, Canada – December 27, 2025 – The Consulate General of India in Toronto announced the launch of a dedicated “One Stop Centre for Women” (OSCW) aimed at providing critical support to Indian national women facing difficult circumstances in Canada. The center will offer a range of services to those experiencing domestic violence, abuse, family conflicts, abandonment, exploitation, and legal challenges.

The OSCW will operate a 24/7 helpline (+1 (437) 552 3309 and osc.toronto@mea.gov.in) staffed by a woman Centre Administrator. It will offer immediate counselling, facilitation of psycho-social support, and coordination of legal assistance and advice. The center also will connect women with relevant community and social-service resources available within Canada.

“This initiative is a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian women in Canada,” said a statement from the Indian mission. “The OSCW will provide coordinated, beneficiary-centred assistance to those in need, ensuring they have access to timely and appropriate support.”

All assistance provided by the OSCW will be within the framework of Canadian law. Financial assistance will be available on a means-tested basis, in accordance with Government of India rules. The Indian mission website also provides a FAQ that mentions how Indian officials can, or cannot, help Indian passport holder women who are cheated, abandoned or abused by Overseas Indian Spouses. The centre functions from the Consulate General of India, Toronto.

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