Sexual assault leaves an indelible mark on survivors, permeating through every facet of their lives. Beyond the immediate physical and psychological trauma, survivors often grapple with a myriad of challenges, and among them, the financial toll can be particularly burdensome.
Recognising the multifaceted impact of sexual assault, the government has taken steps to provide financial assistance and comprehensive support services to victims, aiming to ease the path to recovery.
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However, a critical discrepancy has emerged, casting Kamrup Metro into the spotlight as the district's rape victims are yet to receive the intended financial support.
The aftermath of sexual assault encompasses a complex tapestry of physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. Survivors may find themselves navigating a daunting journey to rebuild their lives, and financial assistance emerges as a pivotal element in this process.
The tangible costs incurred as a result of sexual assault can be substantial, encompassing medical expenses, counselling fees, legal support, and more.
Moreover, the financial aftermath extends to broader implications, impacting a survivor’s ability to pursue education, gain employment, or secure stable housing.
Against this backdrop, the government's initiative to provide financial assistance and support services to rape victims assumes paramount importance.
The scheme for restorative justice, designed to ensure restorative justice for affected women, extends a lifeline to survivors by offering financial aid and a spectrum of support services tailored to their individual needs.
This comprehensive approach encompasses shelter, counselling, medical aid, legal assistance, education, and vocational training.
By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, the scheme seeks to empower survivors on their path to recovery.
However, a critical discrepancy has surfaced, casting a shadow over the administration's commitment. While rape victims in other districts of Assam have received the intended financial support, those in Kamrup (Metro) find themselves excluded from this vital assistance.
The unanswered question resonates: Why have rape victims in Kamrup (Metro) been overlooked? What is causing this delay, and where is the process faltering?
While speaking to GPlus, a senior official from the State Women and Child Development Department disclosed a disconcerting trend.
"Despite the annual allocation of funds, Kamrup (Metro) remains silent on claiming the financial assistance designated for rape victims. This year, a total of Rs 95,00,000 has been earmarked for the cause, with the beneficiaries in other districts having already availed themselves of the support", the senior official of Women and Child Development stated.
• Sivasagar: Rs 2,000,000 (7 victims)
• Nalbari: Rs 1,550,000 (6 victims)
• Kamrup: Rs 2,650,000 (10 victims)
• Dibrugarh: Rs 3,000,000 (10 victims)
• Golaghat: Rs 300,000 (1 victim)
• Kamrup (Metro): Rs 0
The official explained that the reluctance of many victims to claim the fund stems from the prevailing stigma associated with it. Victims and their families, burdened by societal judgment, often choose to forgo the financial assistance meant to aid their recovery.
The objectives of the scheme are clear: to ensure restorative justice for affected women by providing financial assistance and comprehensive support services. This includes shelter, counselling, medical aid, legal assistance, education, and vocational training, aligning with the individual needs of the victim.
The target group comprises women and minor girls who fall victim to rape, and the scheme defines rape under various circumstances to encompass a range of scenarios. Under the scheme, an affected woman is entitled to financial assistance and restorative support/services, amounting to a maximum of Rs 2 lakh.
Despite these provisions, Kamrup (Metro) remains an exception, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the scheme in its current implementation.
In response, a senior official from the State Social Welfare Department pointed to a lack of essential documentation. "While funds have been allocated, the absence of medical reports and FIRs from police officials has hindered the release of financial assistance to victims in Kamrup (Metro)", the official of the Social Welfare Department stated.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior Guwahati police official committed to addressing the matter. He stated, "We will look into the matter".
However, the delay in receiving crucial documents raises questions about the efficiency of communication channels between law enforcement and the concerned departments.
