In an attempt to offer assistance to female Indian nationals facing distress in Canada, the Consulate General of India has launched a “One Stop Center for Women” (OSCW) in Toronto.
The center aims to deliver timely support to Indian passport holders dealing with domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, abandonment, and legal challenges.
According to the Consulate, the initiative will also help women navigate and access relevant social-service and community resources available within Canada.
Operations and Accessibility
The facility is managed by a female Center Administrator responsible for ensuring the “delivery of safe, dignified, and comprehensive assistance.” Services are provided on a means-tested basis and are facilitated through a newly established 24×7 helpline to ensure prompt handling of distress calls.
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“Entire intervention by the OSCW will be within the purview of Local Laws in Canada,” it also said.
The center operates directly from the Consulate General of India in TorontoWomen in need of assistance can reach the administrator through the following channels:
Email: osc.toronto@mea.gov.in
“This, inter-alia, would include Counseling and emotional support through empaneled NGOs. All the financial assistance will be on means tested basis as per Government of India’s Rules,” the Indian mission said.
The One Stop Center for Women serves as a bridge between immediate distress and long-term stability.
The OSCW is designed to be a safe space in every sense. It is led by a woman Center Administrator, ensuring that those seeking help are met with empathy and shared understanding.
This adds to the list of services provided by the Indian Consulate, which includes passport services; visa services (Business, Tourist, Entry, Employment, Student, Research, Intern, Conference, Journalist, Medical, Film, among others); OCI; police clearance certificates; and other miscellaneous consular services.
In addition to the new centre, the Indian mission has also published a series of FAQs on its official website. These documents clarify the extent to which Indian officials can intervene in cases where Indian passport holders are cheated, abandoned, or abused by overseas Indian spouses, outlining both the capabilities and the legal limitations of the mission’s support.
