Majlis Ummeed: From Victim to Survivor
Majlis
Vishaka, was 16 years when she was raped by two of her brother's friends who lived in her vicinity. They had met her at her birthday party. The gruesome act was recorded. Vishaka was terrified so she did not speak to anyone. After the incident the third accused blackmailed Vishaka. Later Vishaka's brother came across the video which had gone viral and an FIR was recorded in April 2017. Then started the ordeal of the investigation and trial for this young lower middle class school girl.
Majlis was referred this case in June 2017 and we have supported Vishaka and her mother through her many ordeals. In 2018 the third accused who was on bail started threatening Vishaka and her family. We had to go as high as to convince the DCP to apply for cancellation of bail in HC. High Court made it a time bound matter in 2018 and yet Vishaka's evidence kept getting postponed because of the cunning tactics of senior defence lawyers of the accused. Vishaka had forgotten a lot of things about the incident due to the delay so we had to go over her statement with her. When Vishaka felt uncomfortable about deposing before a male PP we brought this to the attention of the court. Finally her evidence was completed in 2019. But her mother and brothers were still pending. To our utmost shock during Vishaka's cross the CD which contained the video recording of the incident was blank. It was only because of the Majlis team's vigilance that we asked the court to use the photos that were available.
Through the years Majlis has supported Vishaka with our social support. In 2018 Vishaka completed her 10th Std and she wanted to study Commerce. We helped her mother with financial help for her college fees. We have provided counsellors for Vishaka and her mother. The accused filed two FIRs against Vishaka's mother and brother to pressurise her to withdraw the case. We also had to intervene when her brothers started abusing Vishaka and her mother and at one point he even threw them out of the house.
On 13th Jun 2022 exactly 5 years after we got the case, the judgement was passed and all accused were convicted. Accused 1 & 2 have been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and Rs. 10,000 fine. Accused 3 has been sentenced 2 years imprisonment and Rs. 5000 fine for blackmailing and asking sexual favor.
Such cases often lead to acquitals or are termed false cases if seen from the outside. The support that Majlis team provided throughout the case, hand holding Vishaka and ensuring accountability of the system has led to the conviction. Vishaka is now an independent young girl working part time and pursuing her higher education. She has bravely traversed the journey from victim to survivor.
About Majlis
We are a team of women lawyers and social workers who work for the protection and promotion of women and children’s rights through legal representation, advocacy and training. We provide social and legal support to women and children victims of sexual and domestic violence.
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