Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 10: The 'Sakhi-One Stop Centre' in Mangaluru, operating under the Dakshina Kannada Mission Shakti project, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being ranked the number one centre in Karnataka and the 7th best among 966 such centres across the country.
Launched on January 26, 2019, inside the government Lady Goschen Hospital, the centre provides integrated support—including medical, legal, and police assistance—under a single roof to women facing violence and abuse. Currently functioning from a well-equipped facility on the second floor of the MCH building, it operates 24x7. The facility includes counseling and consultancy rooms, an administrative office, wards, a living area, and a kitchen to provide comprehensive care and temporary shelter to victims.
Recognition for exemplary service
The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development awarded this prestigious national ranking based on several key parameters. The Mangaluru centre was recognized for providing immediate medical aid, assisting victims in filing FIRs, offering temporary shelter, and delivering expert psychological counseling to help women overcome trauma. Maintaining strict confidentiality and ensuring a safe environment for victims were also major factors in securing this rank.
Recently, State Women's Commission chairperson Dr Nagalakshmi visited the facility and highly appreciated its functioning and infrastructure.
A ray of hope for victims
Despite Dakshina Kannada being a highly educated district, cases of domestic violence and sexual assault remain a serious concern. In the past, fear, anxiety, and social stigma often prevented victims from approaching the police, making justice a mirage. However, over the last few years, the Sakhi Centre has successfully bridged this gap, bringing women forward to seek timely help and actively addressing social concerns.
Case statistics (2025 - February 2026)
For the year 2025-26 (up to February 2026), the centre registered a total of 389 cases. The breakdown of major cases is as follows:
• Domestic violence: 98
• Rape: 80 (The majority of these are booked under the POCSO Act)
• Missing persons: 42
• Child sexual abuse: 6
• Child marriage: 4
• Cybercrime: 1
• Other cases: 129
Officials noted that around 20% of the sexual assault cases involve women being exploited under the pretext of love. With a high demand for psychological support among survivors, the expert counselors at the Sakhi Centre have been playing a crucial and successful role in their rehabilitation.