Bihar to get first one-stop centre for rape survivors

PATNA: Bihar's first one-stop centre (OSC) for rape survivors and victims of domestic violence will soon open on the premises of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
State social welfare department has initiated the programme to provide assistance to all victims of violence-both at home and work place. The department has decided to open the centre at PMCH for which the hospital administration will allot space in the obstetrics and gynaecology department."We have sought the approval of the health department for opening the centre in gynaecology department, following which work will begin. Most of the victims go through mental trauma and hence they need proper counseling. The centre will not only protect the victims from social humiliation but also help to seek justice," said PMCH deputy superintendent Sudhanshu Singh.
Besides medical treatment, the centre will provide police assistance, legal aid, psycho-social counseling and shelter-all under one roof. As the centre is a multi-department effort, employees will be deputed by the departments concerned. As per the OSC guidelines, the centre will look after cases from all over Bihar mostly free of cost or minimum charges depending on the case.
"The centre is expected to open soon. Till then there are active helpline numbers from which victims can seek help. The crisis centre will take up cases from across the state till the Central government orders for construction of more such centres in the districts as well. To help victims emerge from mental trauma, counsellors appointed by the state welfare department will be always available at the centre," said Arvind Kumar Choudhary, secretary, social welfare department.