Sun Jul 06 15:22:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, aimed at an Indian audience, based on the “The Hindu” publication style:
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**National POCSO Conference Calls for Survivor-Centric Approach to Child Sexual Abuse Cases**
**Hyderabad, July 6, 2025** – A national conference on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act concluded in Hyderabad on Sunday with a resounding call for systemic reforms focused on the well-being and support of child survivors. Over 400 stakeholders, including judges, law enforcement officials, child welfare advocates, and members of civil society, participated in the event.
Experts emphasized the urgent need to overhaul existing rehabilitation frameworks, improve victim compensation schemes, and enhance the role of forensic and psychological support throughout the judicial process. Technical sessions highlighted the importance of timely and trauma-sensitive medical evidence, rigorous identity protection for victims, and the consistent involvement of child psychologists at every stage.
A key point of discussion was the often-overlooked provision for dedicated support persons to assist victims. Speakers stressed the necessity for improved coordination between medical professionals and law enforcement to minimize secondary trauma during investigations.
R. Sudha from Osmania Medical College and M. Chetana from the Women Safety Wing, presented compelling insights on improving victim compensation schemes, rehabilitation policies, and the crucial engagement of counselors under the POCSO Act.
Justice K. Lakshman and Justice Tirumaladevi Eada emphasized the importance of holding institutions accountable and closing the gap between existing legislation and its actual implementation on the ground. Deficiencies in current victim compensation schemes were examined, with participants highlighting the need for comprehensive, long-term rehabilitation programs that extend beyond mere symbolic assistance.
Supreme Court Judge Justice Vikram Nath, in his keynote address, passionately advocated for a justice system centered on survivors. “Each case of child sexual abuse is not merely a legal battle, but a broken trust in childhood. Justice must be delivered with empathy and long-term support,” he stated.
Acting Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court Justice Sujoy Paul cautioned against procedural delays and technical hurdles that can retraumatize child victims. Justice P. Sam Koshy advocated for the establishment of child-friendly courts and robust legal aid systems.
UNICEF’s Child Protection specialist Sonykutty George urged for systemic changes in POCSO trials and rights-based rehabilitation mechanisms, advocating for the replication of Bharosa Centres across states to align with international child protection standards.
The conference concluded with a collective commitment to shift from a conviction-driven approach to one centered on the dignity, coordinated support, and long-term care of survivors.
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First Piper 