TRAUMA-INFORMED POLICING IN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASES: IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES IN THE INDIAN CONTEXT
Aditya Gupta, Research Scholar, Department of Law, Research Center - Govt. State Level Law PG College, Bhopal (India)
Prof. Dr. Roma Mukherjee, Professor, Department of Law, Research Center - Govt. State Level Law PG College, Bhopal (India)
Child sexual abuse remains one of the most heinous crimes against vulnerable populations, with far-reaching psychological, social, and legal implications. In India, despite progressive legislative frameworks such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases face significant challenges rooted in traditional policing methods that often re-traumatize victims. Trauma-informed policing represents a paradigm shift that prioritizes the psychological well-being of child victims while maintaining investigative integrity. This paper examines the conceptual foundations of trauma-informed policing, analyzes its implementation challenges within the Indian socio-legal context, and proposes evidence-based recommendations for systemic reform. Drawing upon international best practices, empirical research, and case law analysis, this study argues that effective implementation of trauma-informed approaches requires comprehensive training reforms, institutional restructuring, multi-agency collaboration, and sustained commitment to child-centric justice delivery. This paradigm shift in policing not only improves the quality of investigations but also plays a crucial role in the recovery and well-being of child victims. By prioritizing the psychological needs of children and ensuring their dignity throughout the legal process, trauma-informed policing can create a more supportive environment, ultimately leading to more reliable testimonies and better long-term outcomes for survivors. This study highlights the necessity of a holistic, victim-centered approach to criminal justice, aiming for systemic reform that upholds both justice and healing for vulnerable populations.
| 📄 Type | 🔍 Information |
|---|---|
| Research Paper | LawFoyer International Journal of Doctrinal Legal Research (LIJDLR), Volume 3, Issue 4, Page 1288–1310. |
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