Kerala govt released Rs 8.7 crore aid to survivors of rape, violence
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Thiruvananthapuram: A Right to Information query revealed that Kerala government has released Rs 8.7 crores of financial aid to more than thousand women survivors of rape and domestic violence, The News Minute reported.
The State Nirbhaya Cell which functions under The Women and Child Development Department supported 1185 women survivors in the last five years, revealed RTI sought by activist Raju Vazhakala.
The scheme, introduced in December 2018, is aimed at helping survivors of sexual assault and acid attacks with financial assistance for meeting legal costs and recovery from trauma.
"The government has a crucial role to play in supporting and protecting victims of sexual abuse. It is essential that survivors have access to justice and receive the necessary resources and support to heal and rebuild their lives. By working together, we can create a safer, more compassionate society for all," Raju Vazhakala reportedly said.
The RTI report says that the government released Rs 3.78 crores in 2021-22 to 472 victims and Rs 2.32 crores to 294 survivors in the current year.
The scheme reportedly distributed Rs 1.58 crore among 284 survivors in 2020-21.
Under the scheme, the survivors of sexual assault under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, and rape survivors (gang rape/rape/unnatural sexual offences) are eligible for a minimum financial aid of Rs 50,000 and a maximum of Rs 1, 00,000, according to the report.
In the event of death during sexual assault, the deceased’s immediate relative will get Rs, 1, 00,000.
As for physical and mental injuries from domestic violence, the survivor will get the minimum compensation of Rs 25,000 and the maximum of Rs 50,000.