Priya (name changed), a 12-year-old girl studying in the 8th grade, comes from a family of six members. She had been troubled for quite some time due to her father’s alcohol-fueled nightly altercations with the family. Following these fights, he would force other family members out of the house, leaving Priya alone with him in a locked room where he would engage in inappropriate activities. Terrified and threatened not to disclose these incidents, Priya finally opened up during counseling sessions.
Revelation and Reporting:
During counseling, Priya disclosed that her father had been sexually abusing her for an extended period and expressed fear as he mentioned similar intentions towards her younger sister. With an illiterate mother and an unsupportive grandmother at home, Priya decided to confide in her elder sister, who lived nearby. The sister then assisted Priya in reporting the matter to the Childline helpline (1098).
Intervention by Rajasthan Mahila Kalyan Mandal team:
Upon receiving the information from Priya, the Childline team informed Rajastha Mahila Kalyan Mandal, who initiated intervention on May 18, 2022. Rajasthan Mahila Kalyan Mandal works for Access to Justice for Children in Ajmer to ensure every child is safe and has access to their rights. They visited Priya’s home, contacted her mother, and provided counseling. Priya’s mother, unsure of the next steps, was guided to report the case at the local police station (FIR number 205/2022, Madanganj Police Station). Simultaneously, the team facilitated Priya’s medical examination.
Legal Proceedings:
The accused was arrested during the interrogation at the police station, and two members of the Childline team provided testimony in court. However, pressure from Priya’s grandmother led to a change in the grandmother’s statement, and the accused was released on bail. Subsequently, the abuser resumed tormenting Priya.
Further Support and Legal Action:
Facing renewed distress, Priya sought refuge at her aunt’s home, disrupting her education. The Childline team maintained contact with the family, assisting them in filing for compensation through the District Legal Services Authority in Ajmer. Priya was granted an interim relief of ₹1,25,000 and a final compensation of ₹5,00,000.
Court Verdict:
Despite Priya changing her statement, the court looked at the evidence and found her father guilty. Her father’s 20-year sentence and hefty fine were a resounding victory, not just for Priya, but for every child silenced by fear. Priya, now living with her aunt, found solace in the familiar embrace of normalcy. School became a refuge, learning a balm to her wounds.