Page 27 - January 2020 IIssue new year

Changing Facets Of Sexual Offences - An Indian Outlook

the court proceedings add- al response to rape which advocate would not only
B
R ed to and prolonged the occurs in three phases: be to explain to the vic-
O psychological stress they tim the nature of the

W had to suffer as a result of - acute reaction proceedings, to prepare
A the rape itself. her for the case and to
assist her in the police
R - A period of integra-
D The Hon’ble Supreme tion and resolution in station and in court but
Court quoted from Mod- which the victim comes to provide her with guid-

ern Legal Studies-Rape to terms with feelings of ance as to how she might
U
N and the Legal Process by guilt and anger. obtain help of a different
nature from other agen-
I Jennifer Temkin, 1987
V Edition, page 7: - Depression and numb- cies, for example, mind
E ness which the victim counseling or medical as-

R “It would appear that a feels. sistance. It is important
S radical change in the at- to secure the continuity
of assistance by ensur-
I titude of defense coun- - Some may also need
T sel and judges to sexual to go through a period ing that the same person
Y assault is also required. of guilt and self-punish- who looked after the
Continuing education ment. complainant’s interest in

2 programmes for judges the police station repre-
sents her till the end of
0 should include re-educa- The Hon’ble Supreme
2 tion about sexual assault. Court of India further in- the case.
0 Changes in the substantive dicated broad parameters
law might also be helpful in assisting the victims of 2. Legal assistance will
in producing new ways of rape. have to be provided at

thinking about this type of the police station since
crime.” 1. The complainants the victim of sexual as-
of sexual assault cases sault might very well be

And Fox and Scherl, who should be provided in a distressed state upon
studied “Patterns of re- with legal representa- arrival at the police sta-

sponse among victims of tion. It is important to tion. The guidance and
rape.” offered suggestions have someone who is support of a lawyer at
to help victims through the well-acquainted with the this stage and whilst she

various stages of reaction. criminal justice system. was being questioned
There is a typical emotion- The role of the victim’s would be of great assis-

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