Counselling rape victims : SW Minister not updated on 2005 Rehabilitation Scheme
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 25 2013: Although counselling is indispensable as per provisions of Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation for Victim of Rape, the State Government has evidently failed to provide counselling to victims of rape and sexual assaults.

Rape victims are entitled to psychological, medical and legal aid besides financial aid under the Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation for Victim of Rape, which has been enforced since 2005.However, the State Government has not provided psychological, medical and legal aid though it has started to provide financial aid to rape victims.

Victims of rape and sexual assaults have the tendency to remain isolated, no urge for work, a sense of self- stigmatization and even moral resignation due to psychological disturbances.

There have also been instances where married rape victims faced discrimination from their in-laws and partners.

Some husbands even cut short their relationships.

Conducting counselling for the victim and their immediate relatives assume significance in the light of post rape psychological effect.

When The Sangai Express approached the Social Welfare Minister on the matter yesterday, the Minister admitted her ignorance about the existence of the provision of providing counselling to rape victims under the Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation for Victim of Rape.

Confirming the existence of the provision after consulting officials of the department, the Minister said "Providing counselling to rape victims is very essential.

"So far the State Government has not begun providing counselling to rape victims," she said while adding the same would be provided to the victims within a short time.

Obviously the Social Welfare Minister has not been updated by the Directorate about the 2005 rehabilitation scheme.

Director of Social Welfare department, Th Chitra told The Sangai Express that a committee has been set up in all the districts for rehabilitation of victims under the Scheme.

All out efforts are made to provide financial assistance to any rape victim recommended by the committees, Th Chitra said adding, 'four rape victims have already been provided financial assistance.' However nothing about counselling was said.

As Rs 5 lakh is earmarked in the State budget for 2012-13, the department is contemplating to provide Rs 40,000 each to 12 rape victims, she said.

She further said that the department would endeavour to extend other rehabilitation services to the victims.

District Board for Criminal Injuries Relief and Rehabilitation should also be set up in each district which would be chaired by respective District Collector or District Magistrate for the implementation of the Scheme.

SP of the district, a State nominee and a woman working/involved in child empowerment should constitute the board besides District Health and Family Welfare officer/Medical and Health Officer and Dy Director or Project Director of District Child Welfare Committee.

The board should provide psychological, medical and legal needs of rape victims and it should provide protection to the rape victims and witnesses until the trial of the case is initiated.

So far, there are over 15 cases of rape of girls below 18 years in the State.

Recently, a 65 year old woman was raped.

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