Judiciary and the police urged to protect identities of sexual assault victims

Madras High Court Judge emphasizes protecting sexual assault victims' identities and providing support at gender sensitisation programme.

Judges and police officers should protect the identities of sexual assault victims and provide them with the support they need, said Madras High Court Judge M. Dhandapani in Coimbatore city on Saturday.

Speaking at an awareness programme on gender sensitisation and the elimination of violence against women, organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DSLA), Coimbatore, Justice Dhandapani said the judiciary and law enforcement must ensure the confidentiality of victims, calling it a social responsibility. He said leaking of victims’ identities often makes their future uncertain.

Only about 10% of women-related problems reach the courts in India, as fear of stigma and concerns over their daughters’ future discourage many parents from reporting the cases.

Highlighting gaps in justice delivery, he said that only well-established factories, industries, and companies have internal complaints committees under the Vishaka guidelines, leaving domestic workers and others without proper mechanisms. It is the duty of courts and police to ensure that every victim receives justice.

The speakers discussed at the event cyber crimes against women under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act), types of workplace harassment and grievance mechanisms, challenges faced by junior advocates and interns, and the duties of Bar Associations under the Act. They also spoke on the role of men and women in creating a healthy work environment.

An awareness short film produced by the Coimbatore district court staff was released.