Police set up centre to support rape victims at headquarters

A ‘ Rape Crisis Intervention Centre’ to provide support to sexual harassment and rape victims, including minors, victims of child abuse and other violent crimes has been established at t he Chandigarh police headquarters on Monday.

A ‘ Rape Crisis Intervention Centre’ to provide support to sexual harassment and rape victims, including minors, victims of child abuse and other violent crimes has been established at t he Chandigarh police headquarters on Monday.

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UT IGP RP Upadhyaya commissioned the centre. “The centre will ensure investigation of such cases with proper sensitivity and ensure prosecution. Counselling and rehabilitation support will be given.”

Infrastructure, including police workers, designated workers of voluntary organisation, social workers, doctor/psychologists, legal aid assistance and expert counsellors will be provided. A DSP will act as convener of the centre and will report to SSP (operations), who will be responsible for supervision.

A senior social workers of voluntary organisations will be designated as the co-ordinator and will interact with lawyers, doctors and counsellors to help the victim and her family.

FUNCTIONING

DSP women and child support unit will undertake reviews of the team’s work. A report will be sent to the SSP once in three months. Whenever a case of rape is re por ted, the of ficer concer ned will immediately inform the centre’s co-ordinator and DSP (CAW), along with senior officers. The victim need not come to police station. The victim can lodge complaint at 100 or 1091. All cases will be investigated by women officers. The victim’s relatives cannot be called. The investigating officer is not supposed to probe into the character and antecedents of victim and her family.