SUGGESTIONS

1 Regular follow-ups a must for at least three years Why?

▪ Pressure is built up on the

victim to take the case back

▪ Family loses hope of justice due

to delay in the system

▪ Hidden cases and deeper facts

come to light

▪ Counselling of survivor, her family and neighbours needed to ensure a normal life for the victim

▪ Early marriage of victims of child sexual abuse can be checked through regular follow-ups

2 Networking of stakeholders including police, lawyers, doctors, social workers, psychological counsellors Why?

▪ “Often what police can do, social workers and counsellors cannot and vice versa. Thus their working in coordination is needed. There was a case in which a girl accused her father of sexual assault. The father in return said that she was putting the blame on him because he was against her relationship with her boyfriend. The police were in a dilemma about whom to trust. We then invited a counsellor who talked to the girl for two hours and finally we came to know that the girl’s allegations were right,” said Babita Singh.

3 Promote forensic probes in cases of sexual abuse Why?

▪ Often medical examinations are so much delayed that evidence gets destroyed. Also pressure on victim often forces her to conceal facts and step back. In such cases, forensic evidence could ensure justice, said Shubhangi Singh

4 Make victims part of the counselling process Why?

▪ They understand the feelings better and can deal with victims better

▪ They can instil confidence among victims and motivate them to move ahead in life

▪ Can help police get the right information that can assist in investigations

5 Welfare homes for women survivors of sexual abuse Why?

▪ Till now there is no place where they can go after the crime. Asha Jyoti Kendras allow accommodation only for five days. So provision of welfare homes can ensure confidence among survivors and and also provide them proper shelter and support