PSYCHO LEGAL

THERAPEUTIC
SERVICES
AT JANANEETHI
A. CUSTODIAL VIOLENCE:
 Common features of the victims are:
unorganized, illiterate, innocent, economically poor,
socially backward, unaware of his/her legal rights or
constitutional privileges, unable to take steps due to
ignorance and financial constraints and unwilling to put
up complaints due to fear of assailants/further
consequences.
 The perpetrators are:
Organized, militant, politically strong and influential, can
manipulate / frustrate judicial proceedings,
justified/supported by law enforcement
agencies/officers.
Steps followed at Jananeethi:
a) Being with the victims and their families
Visit the victim and the family – medical care – media attention – emotional and
social support – involve the civil society, action committee to be formed.
b) Empowerment through clinical legal education
Awareness generation on human rights - rights violated and remedies available -
discuss the merits and demerits of the case - steps to be taken - national and
international laws implicated - State’s liability – legal aid & assistance.

c) Generating world-wide solidarity

Urgent appeals – petitions to national/state human rights commissions, demand for
ratification of UNCAT
d) Seeking Justice
Writ petitions in the high court / civil and criminal petitions in appropriate courts for
compensation and prosecution of the offenders – personal liability of the perpetrators
e) Advocacy at larger level
Campaign for ratification of CAT – develop new modules based on the cases –
suggestions to the government for improvement of police – network with legislators
and NGOs.
B. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
 Common features of the victims are:
stressful, depressed, symptomatic of PTSD, possessed
with shame and fear, suicidal, worried of children, guilty,
undignified, physical pain/injuries, economic
dependence, mostly unemployed.
 The perpetrators are:
protected/defended by family/society – backed by
religion, political parties – can manipulate / influence
police enquiry, court proceedings - favoured by
customs, traditions and social habits.
Steps followed at Jananeethi:
a) Provide ‘at home’ feeling
Simply be with us as one among us – utmost care not to disturb her private moments – help to
relax and recover
b) Attend personal safety and integrity
Provide short stay home – medical examination and urgent treatment, if needed – clothes and
other needs if so required – help to make primary contacts with children.
c) Emotional support, listening without being judgmental
Help ventilation of feelings and grief – testimonies – assistance to identify options
d) Problem Analysis, clinical legal education
Rights violated – legal remedies available – established procedures – merits and demerits of the
case – legal awakening – sense of confidence and courage
e) Reparation, recourse to law for compensation
Filing suit in appropriate court for appropriate remedy – gather evidences – prosecution of the
perpetrator – compensation
f) Towards total healing, social integration
Mediation for reconciliation – restoration of personal dignity and self-esteem – repentance of the
perpetrator and forgiving by the victim – the victim becomes the author of her life – free, fair and
fearless.