Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has announced comprehensive guidelines for the appointment and functioning of support persons to aid child victims of sexual offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The directive, issued by the Directorate of Women & Child Development and notified on Thursday, is aimed at ensuring emotional and psychological support for children under the age of 18 who have experienced sexual abuse. It aligns with Section 39 of the POCSO Act, which requires State governments to frame such guidelines to facilitate expert support during legal proceedings.
According to the notification, trained professionals — including psychologists, social workers, health experts, and child development specialists — as well as non-governmental organizations, will be engaged to assist victims throughout the investigation and trial process.
“The responsibility of supporting children who have suffered abuse must be shared by the entire community. Professionals in this field are instrumental in the healing and rehabilitation process,” the Directorate stated in the guidelines’ objective.
Support persons will be appointed by the Child Welfare Committee in accordance with Rule 4(8) of the POCSO Rules, 2020. These individuals will be responsible for guiding child victims through legal procedures, ensuring their well-being, and helping them prepare to testify against the accused.
The government has also laid out detailed criteria for the selection and responsibilities of support persons, emphasizing the importance of proper rehabilitation in protecting child victims and ensuring justice.
