Manodhairya Scheme

Victim compensation is a critical aspect of victim services and rehabilitation. Victims of sexual violence many a time are estranged from their families, friends and communities. They often experience trauma, lack of confidence and self-esteem. In other words, they are vulnerable socially, emotionally and economically and need immediate support to prevent their relapse in similar exploitative situations.

Therefore it is not surprising that many of the female sex workers we support have experienced sexual violence, often directly leading to their exploitation into the sex trade. Human trafficking remains the second largest crime in the world with those benefitting from it preying on the weak and vulnerable.

Last month, our Snehadhar Project inaugurated a legal workshop for victims of sexual assault. Introducing the program, Advocate Shyam Asawa gave an overview of the services provided by the project: shelter, food, solace, legal guidance, medication, vocational training and a mental health plan.  He also appealed for as many victims as possible to seek our support including compensation under the Manodhairya Scheme.

The Maharashtra state government has made a provision to provide at least Rs 3 to 10 lakh to victims. While compensation cannot undo the trauma experienced it can provide vital economic and emotional support that will enable a victim the foundation to start rebuilding their life. During the workshop, Bhagyashree Patil, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, explained how a committee has been appointed for the rehabilitation of these cases, which includes a Sessions Judge, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, and the Superintendent of Police, and she emphasized that the District Legal Services Authority is committed to providing government schemes to victims of sexual assault, acid attacks and trafficked minors.

The compensation is in addition to government supported services such as counselling. As always, prevention is better than cure and the assembled experts also gave invaluable advice on how to prevent sexual assault (which continues to increase), including vigilance while contacting or sharing information with strangers.

We are happy that this provision will support victims in practical ways to aid their recovery from trauma and make them less open to exploitation.