Page 15 - NAMAH-Apr-2019

Namah Protecting innocence

as anticipated. Why was it not effective, and be a first step for all cases of CSA, so none
is still not, after the revision? Because it has remain unreported. And the call should happen
two glaring problems. One is that it is only for before the assault. Even a suspicion should
girl children. Secondly, most of the abuses are be reported, because it may very well be the
done by family members and are not reported. saving act. Experts would know how seriously
A healthy society does not need laws. A law to take a suspicion. They have a database
is needed only as a deterrent in a sick society. of such cases to back their decisions. The
When it has come to court, it is already too late. abuser’s name gets entered in the database
In POCSO cases, the child is given medical of suspects and a second suspicion should
attention within 24 hours, and, if required, mandate an action. Whenever a person applies
is rehabilitated in a safe place. Not reporting for a job that involves children, this database
a case is severely punishable. The cases are should be consulted to background-check the
heard in Special Courts. The proceedings candidate. After the 1098 call has been made,
and investigations are asked to be completed the concerned family members and experts
within a year. The sentence can be several years, can decide together to proceed to court or not.
or life imprisonment, or even death. None of
these are punishments a family can afford, Restorative justice
monetarily or psychologically. Even a mother
wishing to help her child knows she will An alternative to going to a criminal court could
become destitute, which means not helping be restorative justice. Here the perpetrator,
the child,after all. Consequently, the majority victim and concerned parties are brought
of the cases are never reported, which makes together on a common platform facilitated
the law ineffective. by subject matter experts. The perpetrator
is made to feel for the victim and take
There is an organisation called Childline India responsibility for his actions. He is also
Foundation, which has a toll-free telephone educated about his body’s biology and the
helpline for children in distress. Everybody long-term psychological effects on the victims
should memorise the number — 1098. Schools and their protectors. One of the following
should teach it to the children and their parents actions could result from this forum. The
and have posters of it. How difficult is it to perpetrator or suspect will be taught lifeskills
put up a poster in public places, such as to overcome his biological urges. These may
banks, train stations, bus stands, shopping include him starting psychotherapy, joining
malls, restaurants? The greater the awareness group therapy, being taught exercises and
there is, the better. More so as a warning to meditation, given medication. He will be on
potential abusers.The Foundation started in the watch-list and needs to check in with
1996 for street children, but now includes help the Foundation regularly. He may have
for sexually abused children from all sections to compensate monetarily, such as for the
of the Indian population. An adult or a child child’s psychological treatment. If possible,
can call the number. This call is kept secret. living arrangements should be changed to
The Foundation pulls in resources such as safeguard the victim. A Foundation member
psychologists, doctors and legal practitioners can be appointed to check in with the child
to resolve issues. Calling this number should on a regular basis. The root-cause of the man’s

15