Sexual assault victims must be immediately rehabilitated

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, June 02, 2016: Speaking after chairing the Women and Children Development Department district-level meeting, Udupi DC Dr Vishal R has instructed officials to take immediate rehabilitation measures for victims of sexual assault, ensuring them free medical treatment besides Rs 5000.

The DC elaborated on the fund that is being given away under the programme. "The programme ensures free medical treatment besides providing Rs-5000 compensation. It also offers provision to give compensation package up to Rs two lakh to the victim. The guidelines of the programme should be strictly followed," he ordered, adding, "There should be no delay in offering the service. The District Health and Family Welfare Department and District surgeon would be the fraction of the programme execution."

The DC instructed the Women and Child Development department deputy director to hold special meeting with the SP regarding Santhvana programme and pending cases under it. He instructed the officers to register POCSO cases against people who use children to begging. He said people who are involved in the child begging racket should be warned twice and, after that, should be arrested.

About 27 organisations are registered under Juvenile Justice Board. The DC ordered cancellation of licence of the three organisations that have delayed getting registered under the Board. "In-depth investigation should be taken up for dowry harassment cases and justice should prevail. Concerned official should take care of the victims and their lives. The negotiations and counselling should not make the victims end their lives," he instructed.

The police officials said there were no cases reported on women trafficking. To prevent women trafficking and in order to create awareness on the issue, stickers and posters are being distributed and put up all over the district with the help of the Legal Service Authority, Police Department, Education and Health Departments.

The DC said utmost care should be taken to prevent child marriages among migrant workers from North Karnataka as well as among Lambani and Koraga communities. He said the staff have been recruited for ’Sakhi’, a one stop centre and is temporarily functioning at Stree Seva Nikethana centre. At least Rs 20,000 each is offered to 12 transgenders and 10 sex workers under Chethana programme.