DCW demands action on school for mistreating rape survivor

The Delhi Commission for Women on Thursday issued a notice to the Education department of Delhi after a private school in the city asked a Class X student, who is a rape survivor, to not attend school.

The notice was issued after a complaint from the parents of the girl. The Commission has asked the Education Department to file a report on the matter within five days.

The parents of the Class X student, who is studying in a private school, had alleged that the administration of the school showed “gross insensitivity” towards the student on the grounds that she is a rape survivor.

In their statement, the parents told DCW that the school laid a condition upon them that the victim will be promoted to Class X only if she stopped coming to school.

The parents further informed the Commission that the school refused her the option of using the school bus, which was earlier being availed by the girl.

They told DCW that the principal asked them to remove their daughter from the school and enroll her in a different one as the girl was bringing a bad name to the school.

The parents have alleged that the school administration harassed the girl in various manners so that she would be forced to leave the school on her own accord.

DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal said that it is a very serious matter. “The girl is being punished for no fault of hers. DCW has issued a notice to the Education Department in this matter and has asked for a report within five days,” Maliwal stated. She added that if need be strict action will be taken to get justice for the girl.