oemakrponn desk
PANAJI: The Social Work Programme at Goa University hosted a two-day lecture series titled “Connecting the Dots: Social Work, Forensic Science, and Legal Interventions in Sexual Assault Cases for Justice and Advocacy.” Held on the 23rd and 26th of August 2024, the series brought together experts from forensic science, prosecution and law enforcement to provide critical insights into handling cases of sexual violence and child protection, emphasizing the vital role of social workers.
The lecture series aimed to equip social work students and professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how forensic science and legal strategies can be integrated into social work practice to support survivors of sexual violence effectively. By bridging these fields, the series sought to prepare social workers to collaborate more effectively with forensic experts and legal authorities, ensuring that justice is served and survivors receive the necessary support.
The first day of the series featured Dr. Sweta Nidhi, an Assistant Professor from the National Forensic Sciences University, Goa Campus, who delivered a presentation titled “Unveiling the Science: Forensic Tools for Social Work Practice.” Dr. Nidhi discussed the integration of forensic science into social work, focusing on how tools like DNA analysis and digital forensics can support legal cases and advocacy efforts. She emphasized, “Forensic science provides social workers with powerful tools to advocate for survivors of sexual violence. Understanding these tools is essential for ensuring justice and supporting victims through the legal process.”
The second day of the series included presentations by Adv. Poonam Bharne, Director of Prosecution, Goa, and PI Sudiksha Naik, Police Inspector at the Women Police Station, South Goa. Adv. Bharne discussed “Legal Strategies in Sexual Assault Cases: The Role of Social Workers,” highlighting the importance of social workers in navigating the legal frameworks and supporting survivors through legal proceedings. She remarked, “Social workers play a critical role in bridging the gap between survivors and the justice system. Their understanding of legal processes and their ability to provide emotional support are crucial in ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and their rights are protected.”
PI Sudiksha Naik provided insights into law enforcement’s role with her presentation on “Law Enforcement and Social Work: Early Interventions in Sexual Assault Cases.” Drawing on her extensive experience, PI Naik emphasized the importance of timely intervention and collaboration between social workers and police to protect victims and gather crucial evidence. She stated, “Early intervention is key in handling cases of sexual violence. Social workers are invaluable partners in this process, helping to build trust with victims and ensuring that their needs are addressed while pursuing justice.”
The event concluded with interactive sessions that allowed participants to engage directly with the speakers, discussing challenges and exploring solutions for effectively addressing sexual violence. The series was attended by 36 participants, including students, faculty, and professionals from various disciplines, all of whom gained valuable insights into the interdisciplinary approach required to handle sensitive cases.
Peter F. Borges, Assistant Professor of Social Work at Goa University, noted, “This lecture series was essential for equipping our students with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle complex issues of sexual violence and child protection. The perspectives shared by our esteemed speakers have inspired our future social workers to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in their practice.”
The successful conclusion of this lecture series highlights Goa University’s commitment to addressing critical social issues through interdisciplinary education and collaboration. The event underscored the importance of preparing social work students to effectively support survivors and advocate for justice in collaboration with forensic and legal experts.
Keep Reading
Add A Comment