Despite court orders, collectors sit on sex abuse victims’ payout | Goa News

Panaji: Sufferings of sexual violence victims continue as the district collectors are yet to clear the compensation relief as directed by the court.

The Victim Assistant Unit (VAU) of govt said that there are over 10 such cases pending before the collectors.“Goa is the only state which is lagging in releasing compensation to the victims. While the scheme provides for compensation at the stage of investigation, the victims here are yet to get the benefits. Govt should direct the collectors to clear the compensation relief,” in-charge of VAU, Emidio Pinho said.In a letter to the chief secretary, Pinho said that there is a significant delay in release of funds from the collectorate (North and South) and the home department. “This not only exacerbates the suffering of victims and their families but also undermines the very purpose of providing timely assistance and support to those who have faced such traumatic experiences,” he said.Goa govt notified POCSO Rules, 2020, specify that once an order is passed by the court, the related govt office should release the amount within 30 days. In a case registered at the Ponda police station, the children’s court had passed the order granting compensation, but to date, neither the child nor his family received any relief.“This compensation request is pending for over 6 months before the collectorate,” Pinho said.“We request you to work out a process streamlining the victim compensation process. This will enable victims to receive their compensation within the stipulated time,” Pinho said.“The victims require justice and timely support to rebuild their lives,” he added.