'Do not reveal identity of victims of sexual abuse'

The identity of victims of sexual assault should not be disclosed to the public,” Principal District and Sessions Judge Veerappa V Mallapure stressed recently.

He was addressing the gathering at an interactive programme organised at the Press Club.

“Under the relevant acts, it is wrong to reveal the identity of the woman or child victims of abuse and also children who are in conflict with the law. If the identity is disclosed, the victims may find it difficult to lead a normal life. Police, lawyers and judges too should ensure that the identity of the victims is not revealed,” he stressed.

Speaking further, Mallapure said, “In special cases, the identity could be disclosed with the permission of the court. The identity, however, needs to be disclosed only if doing so favoured the victim.”

Kodagu Superintendent of Police Dr Suman D Pennekar said that there were instances of sub-inspectors being placed under suspension for delaying registration of cases under the Pocso Act.

District Child Welfare Committee chairperson Ajjikutira Suraj highlighted the legal aspects of child abuse.