The Consulate General of India in Toronto has launched a dedicated One Stop Center for Women, aimed at providing round-the-clock assistance to Indian women facing distressing circumstances in Canada. The facility, operating from the Indian mission premises, is designed to support women dealing with domestic violence, abuse, family disputes, abandonment, exploitation, and legal complications.
According to an official statement, the center will function as a coordinated and beneficiary-focused support system, ensuring timely access to essential services. Women reaching out to the facility will receive immediate counseling and psycho-social support, along with guidance and coordination for legal assistance when required. The center will also help individuals connect with appropriate community organizations and social service providers across Canada, ensuring a holistic support framework. All interventions will strictly comply with Canadian laws and local regulations.
The One Stop Center will be managed by a woman center administrator and will prioritize safe, respectful, and confidential assistance. Services will be extended on a means-tested basis to ensure equitable access, particularly for women in vulnerable situations. A 24×7 helpline has been established to handle distress calls promptly, allowing women to seek help at any hour. Emotional support and counseling services will be delivered through empaneled non-governmental organizations with experience in handling sensitive cases.
The Consulate clarified that any financial assistance offered through the center will be subject to eligibility assessment and provided in accordance with Government of India guidelines. The initiative underscores the mission’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and well-being of Indian women living abroad.
The launch of the support center follows heightened concern over women’s safety after the recent killing of a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman, Himanshi Khurana, in Toronto. Canadian authorities have issued a nationwide arrest warrant for a 32-year-old Toronto resident known to the victim, as reported by local media citing law enforcement sources.
The Consulate’s initiative reflects a proactive step toward strengthening consular care, community coordination, and emergency response mechanisms for Indian women in Canada during times of crisis.
