New Safety Initiative for Indian Women in Canada
The Consulate General of India in Toronto has launched a new One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW) to support Indian women facing distress in Canada. This step comes just days after a tragic incident, where a 30-year-old Indian woman was found murdered in Toronto, raising serious concerns about women’s safety.
As a result, the Indian government moved quickly to strengthen support services for Indian women living abroad.
Purpose of the One Stop Centre for Women
The OSCW is designed to assist Indian passport holders who are dealing with domestic violence, abuse, family disputes, abandonment, exploitation, and legal issues.
Moreover, the centre aims to provide fast, coordinated, and women-focused help in difficult situations.
According to the consulate, all services will be offered in line with Canadian laws, ensuring lawful and respectful assistance.
Key Services Offered by the Helpline Centre
To ensure complete support, the centre provides several essential services.
Main Support Services Include:
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24×7 helpline for emergency distress calls
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Immediate counselling and emotional support
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Psycho-social care through approved NGOs
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Legal guidance for family and abuse-related cases
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Help connecting with Canadian social and community services
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Financial assistance, provided on a means-tested basis under Government of India rules
Additionally, a woman-centred administrator oversees all operations. Therefore, women receive safe, respectful, and confidential assistance at every stage.
Centre Operates from Indian Consulate in Toronto
Meanwhile, the One Stop Centre for Women operates directly from the Consulate General of India in Toronto. This setup allows quick coordination, official supervision, and easier access to help.
Furthermore, the initiative reflects India’s growing commitment to protecting the rights and safety of its citizens overseas, especially women in vulnerable situations.
Murder Case That Led to Urgent Action
The launch of the centre follows the killing of Himanshi Khurana, a 30-year-old Indian woman in Toronto. Canadian authorities have named 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori as the main suspect and issued a nationwide arrest warrant.
Incident Timeline:
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December 19: Police received a missing person report around 10:40 pm from the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area
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December 20: Officers found the woman’s body inside a residence at around 6:30 am
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Subsequently, the case was officially classified as a homicide
Authorities confirmed that the victim and suspect knew each other. Additionally, police released their images to the public to help with the investigation. Reports suggest the two were in a personal relationship.
A Strong Step Toward Women’s Safety Abroad
Overall, the One Stop Centre for Women in Toronto is a significant step toward improving women’s safety and support for the Indian diaspora. By offering round-the-clock help, legal advice, and emotional care, the centre aims to prevent future tragedies.
Therefore, the initiative ensures that Indian women in Canada are not alone during times of crisis.
