Viswas centre aids Posco victims in Cyberabad

Hyderabad: The Viswas Support Centre has come to the rescue of 10 victims of the Posco (Protection of Children against Sexual Abuse) Act within a fortnight of its launch in the Cyberabad area.

The Cyberabad police launched this initiative to address issues of minors, especially who were sexually abused.  

More than 250 Posco Act cases were reported in the Cyberabad area in 2016.
“Earlier, the victims had to come to the police station to record the statement. The Viswas Support Centre is exclusively for minors,” said Ms Janaki Sharmila, DCP crimes, Cyberabad. 

The Cyberabad police, in association with an NGO, Helping Hand Foundation, set up the support centre at the Government Area Hospital, Kondapur, Gachibowli. 

Earlier, victims from Cyberabad had to visit the crowded Gandhi or Osmania hospitals for a medical check-up as part of the probe. 

Now, the Kondapur support centre, will have medical tests and counselling for the victims of sexual abuse under one roof.

Most of the cases reported are related to sexual abuse. Often, the perpetrator is a family member or an acquaintance, making the victim unreceptive to opening up. 

Mr Mujtaba Hasan Askari, founder trustee of Helping Hand Foundation, said, “In a recent case, the victim was too frightened. In such cases, we cannot force the victim to record a statement. Aided by child psychologists and counsellors, we create a conducive environment to treat the post-traumatic stress.”

The support centre has doctors and pediatricians to look after the victims. Ms Sharmila said, “When a sexual assault case is registered, it involves recording many a statement. This can take a toll on victims. In such a situation, counsellors can help.”  There is also paper work involved in receiving financial compensation from the government.

Of the 10 cases taken up by the support centre, a few of them were in regards to elopement by minors.  In such cases, the parents are counselled.