The Consulate General of India in Toronto has established a dedicated One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW) to provide coordinated assistance to Indian women facing distress in Canada, including cases related to domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, abandonment, exploitation and legal challenges. The Centre will operate from the Indian mission premises in Toronto and function within the framework of Canadian law.
According to an official statement issued by the Indian Consulate, the One Stop Centre is designed to offer beneficiary-centred support by linking aggrieved women to appropriate and timely assistance. This includes immediate counselling, facilitation of psycho-social support and coordination of legal assistance and advice, while also helping women access relevant community and social service resources available in Canada.
The Consulate clarified that all interventions provided through the OSCW will strictly adhere to local Canadian laws. The Centre aims to act as a single access point for women seeking help, ensuring confidentiality, dignity and safety during the support process.
The OSCW will be managed by a woman Centre Administrator responsible for overseeing the delivery of services and responding promptly to distress calls received through a 24×7 helpline. Support services will include counselling and emotional assistance through empanelled non-governmental organisations, as well as coordination with legal professionals where required. Financial assistance, where applicable, will be provided on a means-tested basis in accordance with the rules of the Government of India.
The establishment of the Centre comes amid heightened concern following the recent murder of a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman, Himanshi Khurana, in Toronto. Canadian police have issued a nationwide arrest warrant for a 32-year-old Toronto resident, Abdul Ghafoori, who was known to the victim, in connection with the killing, according to local media reports citing law enforcement officials.
The Indian Consulate General in Toronto confirmed the development and expressed shock and grief over the incident. In a post shared on social media platform X, the Consulate stated that it was deeply saddened by the death of Himanshi Khurana and conveyed condolences to her family during what it described as a moment of profound grief.
Officials of the Indian mission said they have been closely monitoring the case and are extending all possible assistance to the victim’s family in close coordination with Canadian authorities. The Consulate reiterated its commitment to supporting Indian nationals abroad, particularly women facing distress, through institutional mechanisms and consular intervention within the limits of local legal frameworks.
The One Stop Centre for Women is intended to strengthen the Indian mission’s ability to respond to cases involving vulnerable women and to ensure access to structured support services. By bringing counselling, legal coordination and social support under one roof, the initiative seeks to improve outreach and timely assistance for Indian women residing in Canada who may be facing difficult circumstances.
The Consulate has encouraged Indian women in distress to reach out to the OSCW helpline for support and guidance, assuring confidentiality and a coordinated response through the newly established mechanism.
