The number of victims contacting the One Door Crisis Management Center (OCMC) at Bardia Hospital, Gulariya is increasing. Over the past year, OCMC has provided health services to 210 victims of gender-based violence. OCMC was established to assist victims of physical, mental, and social torture in cases of human rights violations, including rape, sexual abuse, physical torture, child marriage, human trafficking, and domestic violence.
Keshav Neupane, the Medical Records and Information Officer, reported that in the financial year 2023/2024, 211 victims of gender-based violence received health treatment, along with mental and psychosocial counseling at Bardiya Hospital, Gulariya. In the previous financial year 2022/2023, 289 individuals had availed themselves of these services. Based on the statistics of victims who sought help at the hospital, the highest number of gender violence cases were reported from Gulariya Municipality, while the least were from Bansgardhi Municipality. Additionally, the majority of victims were between the ages of 19 and 49, with the fewest cases involving individuals over 50 years old. The OCMC, focused on addressing gender-based violence, was established to contribute to the control of such violence by providing treatment and proper management for victims.
Sapana Bathamar, a resource person at the center and Nursing Inspector of Bardiya Hospital stated that the OCMC is actively involved in the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of women who are victims of gender violence, rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other crises. The center maintains the confidentiality of the violence victims’ identities while offering protection, healthcare, mental and psychosocial counseling, legal assistance, shelter, and rehabilitation for women and children. Most victims seek help at the crisis management center on their own, while others are referred by the police and civil society organizations.
The center was established by the Government of Nepal to provide all necessary services to victims of gender-based violence completely free of charge, with the support of all relevant offices.