From Reported Crime To Hidden Harm: A Victim- Centred Institutional Response Framework For Gender-Based Violence Against Women And Children

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Kanishka Powale, Research Intern, Centre for Crime Sciences and Forensic Intelligence, BA LLB, MIT- WPU, Pune

ABSTRACT

Gender-based violence against women and children is not institutionally resolved merely because a complaint has been lodged. In many cases, the First Information Report, medical intake, school disclosure, or helpline call is only the first point at which a longer pattern of hidden harm becomes visible to the state. This article develops a victim-centred institutional response framework for gender-based violence against women and children in India. Drawing on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, One Stop Centre protocols, victim-compensation mechanisms, and international child-sensitive justice standards, it argues that institutional success must be measured beyond case registration. A survivor-centred response must include safe reception, immediate risk assessment, hiddenharm identification, medical and psychological care, evidence preservation, child-sensitive procedure, legal aid, shelter, compensation, institutional coordination, follow-up, and review of secondary victimisation. The article argues that dignity and evidentiary integrity are not opposing aims: when procedures are prompt, coordinated, trauma-informed, and legally careful, they strengthen both survivor protection and the reliability of evidence.

Keywords: gender-based violence; hidden harm; victim-centred justice; secondary victimisation; POCSO; domestic violence; One Stop Centres; victim compensation; childsensitive justice; institutional coordination

672. FROM REPORTED CRIME TO HIDDEN HARM- A VICTIM-CENTRED INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK

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