Male child victims of sexual abuse should be given compensation : Minister

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : In a letter addressed to the Chief Ministers of all States/UTs, Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, has urged the States/UTs to issue necessary directions to the departments concerned to take necessary steps for including male child victims of sexual abuse in the Victim Compensation Scheme/Fund. The letter also requests that compensation including interim compensation may be given to the victim on time.

The Minister also highlighted that Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is gender neutral and safeguards the interest of not only the girl child but also the male child. The letter also mentions that as per National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) data, though 31 State Governments have notified their Victim Compensation Scheme under Rule 7, POCSO Rules, 2012, the disbursements of compensation has not been uniform or satisfactory, according to a PIB release.

The Minister has also stated that in some of the States the interim compensation to child victims of sexual abuse is not being awarded to meet the immediate medical and other needs of the child for relief or rehabilitation. The letter stresses that male child who is the most neglected victim of child sexual abuse is being ignored for award of compensation and needs to be included.