The Hindu

• Crimes against women are on the rise across the country
• Number of victims getting justice is on the decline
• Need for setting up a crisis centre for rape victims stressed
• Gather evidence in a scientific manner, medical community told

Mangalore, Jun 27: President of the Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine R.K. Gorea has expressed concern over the rise in crimes against women. Participating in a workshop on "Sexual assault- evidence collection" organised by the Department of Forensic Medicine and MET Unit of Yenepoya Medical College here on Monday, Mr. Gorea lamented the fact that most victims do not get justice.

Stating that the number of victims getting justice was decreasing, he said the success rate was less than four per cent.

Attributing this to delayed reporting of cases and improper collection of evidence, Mr. Gorea stressed the need for medical institutions to start forensic nursing so that nurses can be trained to assist in collection of evidence.

He said victims of sexual assault were forced to go from one department to another to get the confirmatory tests done. There was a need for a single window concept where the victim can undergo all the tests.

Urging the authorities to set up a crisis centre for rape victims, he said such a facility should have qualified personnel who can counsel victims.

Inaugurating the workshop, Y. Abdulla Kunhi, chairman, Islamic Academy of Education, said it was shocking to note that cases of sexual assault against women were on the rise across the country, in rural and urban areas. In many cases, the victim does not get justice and the perpetrators walk free, he added. Victim also hesitate to approach the authorities for fear of adverse publicity.

Evidence

He urged the medical community to ensure that they gather evidence in a scientific manner.

This played a vital role in medico-legal cases, he added.

A. Ramachandran, principal of Yenepoya Medical College, welcomed the gathering.

Vina Vaswani, professor and Head of Department of Forensic Medicine, introduced the guests. The workshop was organised by Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes, Mumbai. P.C.M. Kunhi, Director, Akhter Hussain, secretary of the academy, and others were present.