Baramulla, June 27: Sakhi One Stop Centre Baramulla (SOSC) has emerged as a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for women victims amid the rising cases of domestic violence, human trafficking, and exploitation.
The center offers the women a chance to rebuild their shattered lives and find solace, showcasing resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
Among the many success stories that have emerged from the center, one revolves around Shakeela (name changed), a 25-year-old woman who had been trapped in a loveless marriage since 2009.
Her situation worsened when her husband remarried after the death of her father in law, leaving Shakeela and their three daughters behind.
It took 13 years, but in 2022, the SOSC managed to reconcile the couple, bringing joy to Shakeela and reuniting the children with their father.
Another success story is of Mehjabeen (name changed), a young woman from West Bengal, who had been disconnected from her family for over a decade.
Overwhelmed by her circumstances, Mehjabeen even contemplated suicide, longing for a final meeting with her parents.
Recognizing her desperation, the local police referred Mehjabeen to the Sakhi One Stop Centre Baramulla on January 27, 2023.
The center provided her with counseling and support, and she gradually regained hope and courage.
Bushra Bedar, the center’s administrator, tirelessly worked to locate Mehjabeen’s family. Despite facing challenges, Bedar’s video appeal to the West Bengal police went viral, leading to the identification of Mehjabeen’s family.
Going beyond her duty, Bushra established regular communication with the Kultali Police Station in West Bengal, ensuring a collaborative effort to reunite Mehjabeen with her long-lost family. The Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Rekha Sharma, also provided assistance in Mehjabeen’s case.
After ten years of separation, Mehjabeen finally had the opportunity to communicate with her parents through mobile phone and video calls. Recently, her family visited her in Baramulla, marking a joyous reunion made possible by the efforts of the Sakhi One Stop Centre.
Under Bushra’s leadership, the SOSC takes the lead in reconciliation and legal aid for women facing violence and disputes, providing timely assistance and empowerment.
“Our efforts have resulted in the resolution of over 150 cases, surpassing even the achievements of the courts,” she added.
The center’s remarkable achievements were recently recognized by the Chief Justice of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, who visited the facility, interacted with victims, and praised the staff’s dedication.
“The Sakhi One Stop Centre continues to be a symbol of resilience and compassion, empowering women to live dignified lives and fostering a sense of hope in the hearts of those who have suffered,” said Bushra Bedar.
The center has successfully resolved 150 out of 268 registered cases, ranging from domestic violence, human trafficking, divorce, to blackmail.
Bushra also highlighted the increasing number of cases related to kidnapping and blackmail through social media, where girls are victimized by manipulated images.
“Extramarital affairs have become a major contributor to relationship problems, with men often neglecting their wives for their affairs, leading to serious issues,” she further added.
“Approximately 30% of the cases handled by the center involved women attempting to threaten their husbands or in-laws,” she added.
She said that through effective mediation and compromise, the Sakhi One Stop Centre has successfully reunited couples and achieved positive outcomes.
When asked about the rising trend of divorces among couples, Bushra said that the breakdown in communication between couples is the main reason behind the rising divorce rates and other women-related issues.
“When such couples visit our center, we listen to both parties and work towards resolving the issues,” added Bushra.
The Sakhi One Stop Centre in Baramulla is making a meaningful difference in the lives of women victims, providing them with the support, guidance, and hope they need to rebuild their lives and reclaim their dignity.
