MARGAO: Alleging ‘gross insensitivity’ towards minor sexual assault survivors in the State, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has issued a series of recommendations to various authorities concerned, such as the Goa Police, Health Department and Forensic Laboratory in order to correct the prevailing poor implementation of the POCSO Act in Goa.
“The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, has been on India’s statute books for a decade. One of the primary purposes of the act was to provide speedy justice to child victims of sexual offences in a child-friendly manner. However, the Commission has found out that there are considerable gaps between what the law prescribes and ground reality and has taken cognizance of the same,” said Peter Borges, GSCPCR Chairperson.
He further explained how the law provides that a POCSO trial should be completed within one year from the special court taking cognisance of the offence and that the evidence of the victim should be recorded within 30 days of such cognisance.
“The Commission notes with regret the gross insensitivity towards minor sexual assault survivors, who wait for hours for the medico-legal care, which only intensifies their trauma. The slow pace of investigation and the delay in depositing samples with the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and less centres for comprehensive medico-legal care are the loopholes that need to be sealed,” said Borges.
“Further, there is also a need for proper system for addressing the mental health concerns – an important aspect of the trauma associated with sexual assault at every centre,” he added.
“Timely and thorough investigation and timely filing of charge sheets are the most crucial elements of the justice delivery system, demanding a good co-ordination between the medical establishments, law enforcement agencies and prosecution,” Borges added further.
In view of this the Commission recommended to the Health Secretary that adequate arrangements are made at North Goa District Hospital and Sub District Hospital at Ponda, with availability of female gynaecologist and personnel for psychosocial care, to deliver medico-legal care for minor victims of sexual assault.
The Commission also recommended to the Director General of Police (DGP) that a circular be issued to ensure quick access to medico-legal care for the victims and deposit of samples with the FSL.
