Providing compensation to various categories of victims in a structured way, Andhra Pradesh government has announced creation of a Victim Compensation Fund to help those subjected to various harassments like sexual, dowry or acid attacks.

This was done according to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code and some verdicts of the apex court. Perhaps for the first time, a provision is made to recover the compensation that is awarded to victims from the wrongdoer or offenders.

The District Legal Services Authority was authorised to collect the same from the culprits.

“The Authority will have to take into consideration the trauma undergone by a victim of commercial sexual exploitation, trafficking and the victim of acid attacks and the trauma undergone by a bonded labour or a child labour in awarding compensation. The Authority should take into consideration the aspects of rehabilitation, reintegration and restoration of the Vocset,” the order of the government made it clear.

A special compensation of  Rs 10 lakh will be paid to the families of the victims who lost their lives due to sexual exploitation for commercial purposes and acid attacks.  In addition, Rs 1000 towards funeral of the victims and Rs 50,000 for medical expenses shall also be borne by the offenders or their relatives.