Mukhta Centres, a specialised support system created to identify and assist survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in Karnataka hospitals, have reportedly stopped functioning for the past three months due to insufficient funding.

The centres, launched in 2021 as a pilot initiative, were established by the Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT) in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM).

Over 10,000 survivors identified

According to CEHAT representatives, Mukhta Centres identified 10,747 women and children as survivors of violence since their inception.

The centres operated at multiple hospitals including K C General Hospital, Jayanagar General Hospital, Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, Gosha Hospital, and Chikkaballapur District Hospital.

Unlike regular medico-legal interventions, Mukhta Centres reportedly offered holistic support that included identification, counselling, medical care, and emotional assistance under one roof.

Early intervention helped survivors

Healthcare professionals associated with the centres said trained counsellors were able to identify even subtle signs of abuse and intervene before situations became extreme.

Hemalatha P said the centres supported women facing domestic violence, abandonment, forced pregnancies, and sexual abuse cases involving minors.

Experts said many survivors, especially those from economically vulnerable backgrounds, often remain silent due to fear of abandonment and lack of support systems.

Funding concerns raise alarm

The shutdown of Mukhta Centres has raised concerns among healthcare workers and activists, who believe the initiative played a critical role in addressing gender-based violence through hospitals.

While Karnataka has government-run One Stop Sakhi Centres, experts argue that survivors are less likely to seek help if services are located away from hospitals where they first approach for treatment.

The development has once again highlighted the need for stronger institutional support systems for women and children facing violence#Bengaluru #DomesticViolence #WomenSafety #Healthcare #MukhtaCentres #Karnataka #newskarnataka

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