States can appoint trained support persons for child abuse survivors

ALL states and Union Territories will have to mandatorily appoint for child sexual abuse victims a 'support person' or a professional who will provide them emotional, psychological, and legal assistance during their challenging and traumatic period so that they can be protected and rehabilitated.

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT

These trained support persons will protect the victims from external pressure; provide a witness protection scheme, if necessary; accompany them during statement recording, investigation, medical examination and trial; and help them access facilities like education and public distribution system.

The support person will also facilitate the child with medical assistance and treatment, besides counselling to come out of the trauma, and inform the victim about the availability of legal aid assistance.