Sassoon docs receive one sexual assault case every day

Doctors examining the victims are now teaching undergraduate students on how to adopt a sensitive approach to such cases. Forensic experts conduct molecular diagnostic tests to check the DNA samples of victim’s nails for pieces of skin of the accused.

Dr R A Bhosale,Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital said an overall medical examination is conducted once a rape or sexual assault victim is brought to the hospital.

Evidences are collected in a medico-legal case only after victim’s consent and the process is completed in two hours. Samples of vaginal fluid,blood,pubic hair and nails are collected and given to the police in sealed containers,which is then sent to a forensic lab. “What is most important is the psychological rehabilitation,” Bhosale said.

Dr Dasmit Singh,professor of paediatrics at the hospital,said the nature of injuries in several cases is gruesome. In the August issue of the Journal of Indian Association of Paediatric Surgeons,Singh along with others have published a study of emergency care provided to child victims of acute sexual assault.

Five children between four and nine years had to undergo definitive repair surgeries and a diverting colostomy. Bhosale pointed to a case in which a five-year-old girl’s vagina and rectum were torn. The bowel function had to be regulated through a complicated surgery.

Dr Singh said children who face acute sexual assault need emergency care. Apart from comprehensive medical care,prevention of secondary injuries is a key objective. Dr Alka Pawar,head of the Department of Psychiatry at B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital,said medical social workers offer psychological support to ensure that victims don’t suffer from suicidal tendencies.

“In most cases,the accused who rape or sexually assault the girl was known to the family. Often rape or sexual assault go unreported and we come to know about it when parents bring the girl for treatment of behavioural disorders. It is here that we realise that some relative in the family has been raping or abusing the hapless girl,” Pawar said.

State to keep aside funds for victims’ aid

State Minister for Women and Child Welfare Varsha Gaikwad told The Indian Express that in 2012 Maharashtra registered 2,975 incidents of rape. From October 2,the rape or sexual assault victims will be rehabilitated under the Manodhairya Yojana.

The minister said the state will earmark Rs 55-60 crore for victims’ compensation package. A victim will be given Rs 3 lakh for medical treatment,legal aid,counselling and rehabilitation. A district rehabilitation board that includes the superintendent of police,district collector and others will examine each case. Advocate Aseem Sarode,director of Sahyog Trust,welcomed the move but wanted the schemes to be implemented with retrospective effect.

Anuradha Mascarenhas