Victim Assistance Bill
This research project attempted to study the behavioral,CVPS first project on victim assistance created a thorough review of the existing compensation for crime victims across and support services globally. Constant engagements in meetings and discussions with lawyers, social workers and non-profit organizations have been a part of the research on understanding different perspectives on the need for a victim assistance bill since January 2015-and continued to September 2016. cultural and social aspects that factor into digital piracy. As evidenced from the title; psychologists, sociologists and political scientists have studied the rationale and motivations behind digital piracy, mostly in developed economies. Studies show that the act of piracy can be attributed to the way certain cultures view intellectual property (collectivist vs. individualist) and other cultural variables like power distance or masculinity. However, there exists a dearth of such research in developing countries. This project would attempt to look beyond the existing legal structure and at lesser-acknowledged psychological, sociological and cultural factors.
Research Findings
The literature review of the project describes the current compensatory measures available to victims, which was critiqued in its lack of implementation and efficacy in modern times. A comparative review of legislations from various states of India highlighted the limitations and lacks of the current acts and procedures in force. The output of the research undertaken, we have proposed a central legislation titled ‘The Crime Victims’ Assistance Bill’. The output of the last chapter is a legislation, which has been drafted, keeping in mind, the exhaustive and extensive discussions with experts: criminal lawyers and psychologists. The Crime Victims’ Assistance Bill’ aims to contribute to a victim sensitive legislation to the society and bridge the gaps that exists in the current framework of victims’ assistance in India. The purpose of distribution of the book to Lok Sabha Members is to generate healthy debate and discussions in the Indian parliament towards the betterment of the existing system. The idea is to trigger conversations about victim assistance bill in the parliament.
Outcomes of the Project
A book publication titled Victim Assistance in India was published by ANE Publisher and two book chapters were published from the research in other edited publications.
Different forms of this research work have been presented in departmental level presentation and university organized conferences. The same have been presented at the 13th United Congress of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Doha, Qatar and the World Society of Victimology Conference in 2015.
In addition, 545 Lok Sabha Members of the Parliament have received a free copy of the “Victim Assistance in India: Suggesting Legislative Reforms-A Comprehensive Comparative Policy Review” for review.
Sahni S. P. (2019). Progressive Victim Assistance for Rape Victims in India post 2012. XXXV Postgraduate Course on Victimology, Victim Assistance and Criminal Justice. Inter University Centre. Dubrovnik, Croatia. 20th May – 1st June 2019.
Sahni, S. P. (2018). Rape Victims and PTSD. 16th Asian Post-Graduate Course in Victimology, Victim Assistance and Criminal Justice, City University, Hong Kong, 9th June 2018
Sahni, S. P., Jain, G.; Kirchhoff, G. (2016). Role of NGOs in Victim Assistance. E-Pathshala Project. Ministry of Human Resource and Development. Government of India. (Module submitted).
Jain, G.; Sahni, S. P. & Kirchhoff, G. (2016). Crisis Intervention Center. Victimology and Victim Assistance. E-Pathshala project. Ministry of Human Resource and Development. Government of India. (Module submitted).
Sahni, S. P., Jain, G., & Kirchhoff, G. (2016). Role of NGOs in Victim Assistance. E-Pathshala Project. Ministry of Human Resource and Development. Government of India. (Module submitted).
Jain, G., Sahni, S. P., & Kirchhoff, G. (2016). Crisis Intervention Center. Victimology and Victim Assistance. E-Pathshala project. Ministry of Human Resource and Development. Government of India. (Module submitted)
Sahni, S. P., & Hetu, V. (Eds) (2012). Status of Victim Assistance in India, CVPS, JGU