A Comparative Performance Assessment Of One-Stop Centres In Addressing Gender-Based Violence-A Study In Odisha

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) embodies a substantial public health challenge in India, with the National Family Health Survey (2019-2021) documenting that 29% of Indian women between the age group of 18-49 years have encountered physical abuse, yet 86% of victims did not reach out for help. Therefore, the Government of India ,in an effort to tackle the growing burden of gender-based violence and to enhance women’s empowerment and safety measures, introduced the One-Stop Centre (OSC)framework under the Mission Shakti initiative in 2015.These centres intends to provide comprehensive support services to the survivors of GBV. This study based on secondary sources,undertakes a comparative assessment of OSC functioning in the two districts of Odisha: Khordha and Keonjhar since 2015. Through secondary data analysis from the annual reports of Ministry of Women and Child Development, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), and OSC performance statistics, the study focuses on modalities of service delivery survivor accessibility and impact on survivers across both districts. The findings indicate that while as of March 27,2026,there are 926 operational OSCs nationwide,, awareness levels,operational capacity, and intersectoral coordination vary significantly between the two districts. Khordha district demonstrates greater utilization of services and greater inter-agency synergy compared to Keonjhar,predominantly owing to spatial proximity, urban infrastructure, and greater awareness campaigns. Significant barriers observed include low reporting rates, inadequate awareness of services, institutional inefficiencies, and resource limitations in rural settings. The study emphasizes that effective OSC functioning requires survivor-centrist approaches, multisectoral coordination, adequate funding, capacity building, and context-specific strategies. The findings contribute to understanding the effectiveness of integrated GBV service delivery models in India and offer policy recommendations for strengthening OSC operations, particularly in underserved districts like Keonjhar.