SC orders center to respond to sex trafficking victim rehabilitation framework

Last update:November 15, 2024, 5:29 p.m. IST

The Supreme Court said victims of such crimes are often mistreated by their traffickers and must endure forms of physical and mental violence inflicted on them.

Supreme Court of India (Getty Image)

The Supreme Court has declared that a legislative gap exists when it comes to establishing a comprehensive rehabilitation framework for victims of sex trafficking.

The apex court directed the Center to look into the matter and file an affidavit in this regard.

“Human trafficking and sex trafficking are crimes that dehumanize the victim and violate their rights to life, liberty and personal security. Vulnerable sections of society, particularly women and children, are disproportionately affected by such crimes,” Justices JB Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal said.

The Supreme Court said victims of such crimes are often mistreated by their traffickers and must endure forms of physical and mental violence inflicted on them.

“They are at greater risk of sustaining multiple life-threatening injuries and contracting infections and illnesses, including sexually transmitted diseases.

“Furthermore, mental health consequences can range from anxiety disorders to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and substance abuse,” the bench said.

A majority of these victims may require ongoing access to doctors and other mental health professionals who can address their specific needs, the release added.

“Alienation and ostracism from society at large are also inherently associated with such crimes. Trafficked persons are often abruptly removed from their immediate families and other social groups due to feelings of guilt and shame attributed to the victims,” the bench said.

“This has the unfortunate consequence of them finding themselves even more isolated, isolated and withdrawn from society. The crime is also of such a nature that it seriously hampers the pursuit of education and learning,” the bench added.

The highest court was hearing a plea aimed at upholding a 2015 judgment concerning victims of sexual assault.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)