What is the Role of a Lawyer in the POCSO Act

One of the most shameful and increasing offences is child sexual offences. In 2012 Indian jurisdiction introduced the law Protection of Children from Sexual Offences to protect the underaged children from sexual brutality. A lawyer’s role is very important as this act changes over time to make it strong for individuals to get justice. In this blog, we will cover the details of the POCSO Act and the lawyer’s role in this act. 

Understanding the Basics of the POCSO Act

The POCSO Act is applied to anyone below the age of 18. The act is designed to provide the victim with a safe and structured legal process for handling sexual Offences against children. Offences like:

  1. Sexual harassment 
  2. Penetrative sexual assault 
  3. Using a child for pornography purposes with concern or without concern

The lawyer makes sure the victim is safe and allows the police procedure. A lawyer makes ensure the police hand over the victim to the Children Welfare Committee within 24 hours. They ensure the medical checkup is done at the times with the proper doctor and with legal process. If the victim is a girl then a woman doctor is there to check the girl.

The Role of the Lawyer in the POCSO Act

One of the most important and critical roles of the lawyer is to protect the rights of the victim and represent the child with all legal processes. One lawyer has the experience to hold the nerves in this sensitive situation and make sure the victim gets the right justice.

1. Legal Representation to the Victim 

A lawyer can make sure the child and the family that they can get the rights for their case. The lawyer makes sure that the children’s testimonials are given weight to the law and the evidence. They offer legal advice and explain each step of the process in simple terms.

2. Ensure Confidentiality 

This act allows the victim to make the case run in a closed courtroom. The lawyers mandate confidentiality to prevent any public exposure. They make sure that the news is not published in the media houses or the publically. Any breakdown of this news can lead the damage to the child’s life, and one good lawyer can prevent this from happening.

3. Consult with the Medical Team

A good lawyer ensures that the medical examination and psychological counselling of the victim is done under the legal procedure. Under the POCSO Act, the medical examination must be conducted in a child-friendly manner. The lawyer makes sure that the child gets better treatment to deal with the trauma.