JUSTICE DELAYED FOR ABUSE VICTIMS.

The victims of sexual abuse face trauma even after registering a case as convictions are often delayed. The trauma is multiplied by the government's failure to pay compensation to the victims under its Victim Compensation Scheme. Police say that the delay in getting convictions is due to slow trials, and in most cases, the victims and the witnesses withdraw their statements. In the sensational snake gang case of 2014 in which eight people were booked for gang rape, all the accused were acquitted as the victim did not confirm rape during trial. Rachakonda police commissioner Mahesh Bhagawat said the rate the rate of conviction will be high if evidence is collected in time. "If protection is provided to the victim and witnesses, it can lead to conviction. In addition to this, such cases should be put on trial in fast track courts so that the trial can be completed within a year when memories of the victim and witnesses are fresh", Mr. Bhagawat said.

Though the Criminal Amendment Act, 2013 clearly mentions that the investigation should be completed within two months and the trial in a year, the ground reality is entirely different. Officials attribute this delay to the requirement of recording the statement of the victim in front of a magistrate, medical examination of the victim and the accused by a team of experts to verify potency and getting the forensic report.

"The refusal of victims to reveal facts due to fear of family image getting spoiled delay trials. Social stigma is also a major cause of them not admitting rape", officials said. They say that even if accused are arrested fast, they secure bail and influence the victim or witnesses or dilute the case.

Compensation for victims:

1. Rape: Rs. Two lakh.
2. Loss of life (including dowry death): Up to Rs. Three lakh.
3. Permanent disability caused by assault (80 percent or more): Up to Rs. Two lakh.
4. Partial disability (less than 80 percent): Up to Rs. One lakh.
5. Loss of limb in acid attack: Up to Rs. Three lakh.
6. Loss or injury causing mental agony to the victim and children in cases like molestation: Rs. Fifty thousand.

Activists want single window for compensation: Activists say that lack of awareness among victims and lack of coordination between the police, legal services and the Women and Child Welfare Departments are delaying the disbursal of compensation to rape victims. In addition to this, the delay in getting the medical certificate adds to harassment. They demand a common platform through which a victim can get the compensation. Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer, founder, Taruni Foundation, and NGO working for women and child rights, said lack of awareness is the main cause of delay in getting compensation. Agencies who are involved with the investigation and compensation are concerned about formalities.

"Even if the process is started, there is a lot of delay in releasing the compensation and the victim has to go through lots of processes which is a harrowing experience", Dr. Mamatha said.

She said the existing process for granting damages should be scrapped and a single window process implemented. Activists said that police must inform victims about the process.

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