Shakti Sadan in India: Women’s Shelter and Support Guide
Learn what Shakti Sadan may provide, who can ask for a referral, how to check a current women’s shelter in your State or Union Territory, and what to ask before travelling.
In this guide
What is Shakti Sadan, and what help can it offer?
Shakti Sadan is a Ministry of Women and Child Development shelter and support scheme for women in difficult circumstances, including women affected by trafficking. The Ministry describes it as bringing together the earlier Swadhar Greh and Ujjawala home schemes. Depending on the home and the person’s needs, support can include a safe place to stay, food, clothing, counselling, basic health support and vocational training.
A shelter is one part of a support plan
A woman may need safe accommodation alongside medical care, counselling, legal information, help with documents, income support or a safe return to family or community. Ask the local service to explain which of these it can arrange directly and which require a referral. The services available can differ between homes.
Referral can come through a support service
The Ministry lists One Stop Centres and police stations among referral routes. If you are unsure where to begin, contact a district One Stop Centre or Women Helpline 181 and ask how to reach the current Shakti Sadan serving your district. You can ask what information will be shared before describing sensitive details.
Check duration and extension locally
The Ministry’s scheme page describes residential support for up to three years, with an extension based on need by the District Magistrate. This is not an automatic guarantee of a place for that whole period. Ask the home about its current assessment, review and extension process for your situation.
| District and nearest centre | Immediate needs | Children or dependants | Travel and access needs | Safe contact and next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
How can you find a Shakti Sadan and ask for a referral?
Use the Ministry’s current State and Union Territory directory
Open the official Shakti Sadan page and check the statewise list and its date. The page displayed a directory dated 31 March 2026 when checked for this guide. Call the listed State or district contact, district Women and Child Development office or One Stop Centre to confirm the home still operates and serves your area.
Confirm the practical details before travelling
Ask about current vacancies, admission and referral steps, documents, travel arrangements, accessibility, language support, whether children can stay, and what happens if you arrive outside office hours. Keep only documents and belongings that are safe to carry; ask what alternatives are accepted if papers are unavailable or held by another person.
Explain your own priorities
You can say what feels most urgent: somewhere safe tonight, a health appointment, contact with a trusted person, help understanding a legal process, or time to decide. Ask what choices you have and who will be told about your admission. If a proposed step feels unsafe, explain the risk and request another option or a support person.
Plan for safety, privacy and the next stage
Make a safe contact plan
Tell the referral worker whether a phone, shared email, location sharing or a family contact could expose you. Agree on a safe time and method for follow-up. Do not post the shelter’s location or another resident’s identity publicly. Ask the home how it handles visitors, calls, records and confidentiality.
Ask how support decisions are reviewed
Clarify the home’s rules, review dates, complaint contact, options if you want to leave, and how staff will help with a longer-term plan. Ask for important decisions and referrals in writing where possible. Keep copies of application receipts or contact details somewhere a person causing harm cannot access.
Use emergency support when danger is immediate
If there is an immediate threat, serious injury or urgent need for police or an ambulance, call 112 if you can do so safely. For service navigation, 181 or a One Stop Centre may help identify local options. You do not have to wait for a shelter referral before seeking urgent medical or police help.
Shakti Sadan women’s shelter: FAQs
Who can ask about Shakti Sadan?
The scheme is for women in difficult circumstances, including women affected by trafficking. A local service assesses the referral and admission under current guidance and available capacity. Contact the district One Stop Centre, police station or Women and Child Development office to ask how the process works locally.
How long can a woman stay?
The Ministry describes support for up to three years, with a need-based extension by the District Magistrate. Confirm the current review and extension process with the home; duration and admission are assessed rather than guaranteed in advance.
Can I contact a shelter directly?
Ask the State directory contact or district Women and Child Development office whether direct contact is accepted in your area. The Ministry also lists One Stop Centres and police stations as referral routes. Women Helpline 181 can help identify a local support route where operational.
Is Shakti Sadan the same as a One Stop Centre?
No. A One Stop Centre can provide or coordinate short-term crisis support and referrals, while Shakti Sadan is a residential shelter scheme for longer-term support. Ask both services how admission, duration, availability and follow-up work in your district.
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Sources and publication record
Draft prepared 27 September 2026; domain, legal and human Hindi editorial review pending · Sources checked .
- Shakti Sadan: scheme, support and State/UT home directoryMinistry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- One Stop Centre services and current centre listMinistry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- Women Helpline 181: services, access and current State/UT availabilityMinistry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- Emergency Response Support System 112Ministry of Home Affairs