10-Year-Old Girl Drugged And Raped By Neighbour In Delhi, Bachpan Bachao Andolan Helps The Girl Fight For Justice

Kritika (name changed), a 10-year-old girl, was raped in the North-Eastern part of Delhi in the month of February by her neighbor who she used to often help by fetching water while helping her mother in household chores. The survivor was allegedly lured by the accused who offered her a spiked soft drink at his residence. The accused then raped her and fled the crime scene and is yet to be arrested. The child after gaining consciousness felt acute pain and realised that her undergarments were scattered on the floor. Weeping inconsolably, she barely managed to gather her things and rushed home and narrated the horror story to her mother. An FIR was filed against the accused by the parents immediately.

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Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), an India-based movement campaigning for the rights of children which was started in 1980 by Nobel Laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi reached out to the family of the survivor after the case was referred to them by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Following this, BBA appointed a support person under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

When the BBA team met the child and interacted with her, she seemed in a mentally disturbed stage after which arrangements were made by the NGO to arrange a psychological counselor. Further, BBA associates explained their role as support persons to the family. A Vakalatnama was signed by the parents legally authorising BBA's counsel to represent the case on their behalf.

Also Read: Bachpan Bacho Andolan Rescues Three Siblings From Bengaluru Being Sexually Abused By Their Own Uncle, Supported By Grandmother

Meanwhile, efforts are also on to apply for interim compensation on behalf of the victim under the POCSO Act, 2012 and the child's bank account is also being opened keeping this in mind. The survivor is also expected to be enrolled in a nearby school.

While the family awaits justice, the family claims that the intervention by BBA has helped the child to overcome her trauma to a great extent, after which she has started to live a normal life.

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My daughter has started to play with her friends again, it was an extremely difficult time for the family. The intervention of BBA ensured my child lives a normal life, I want her to achieve something in her life, I would like to thank Bachpan Bachao Andolan for all the help, said Kritika's father.

While the story of the survivor underlines the need for legal as well as psychological support for the child victims of sexual abuse to overcome the trauma, there are thousands of such children awaiting a helping hand.

Also Read: 14-year-old Sucked Into A Dark Web Of Rape And Sexual Abuse, Trafficker Out On Bail

Justice For Every Child campaign will work to ensure legal and mental support to child victims of sexual abuse and rape and their families, Donate Now