The New Dehli government recently deployed video conferencing technology in all district courts in the city, allowing rape victims and children to give their testimonies without having to come to the courtroom. This is important because many victims and children are afraid to confront their attackers and feel more comfortable sharing their stories from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Law and Justice Minister Ramakant Goswami said the video conferencing services were implemented after government officials witnessed certain victims not being able to fully disclose their sufferings to the courts because they feared the repercussions of coming forward, particularly rape victims and children. Dehli is the first city in India to leverage technology to better serve victims of violent crimes, IBN Live reported.
"The move will provide an opportunity to victims of rape, or exploited children to express themselves freely while being present at some other place," Goswami told Tehelka. "It will result in a decision according to the principle of natural justice."
Rajat Mitra, a clinical psychologist who primarily works with rape victims, said using video conferencing will greatly alleviate the anxiety associated with recalling a traumatic event in court. However, the use of the technology will only be effective if judges and lawyers are trained to be more sympathetic during legal proceedings of such sensitive cases. The video conferencing services should empower these victims, not make them feel interrogated, she told the source.
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