This is the story of Rape victim “A” young adolescent girl who, despite facing severe trauma and social challenges, gradually rebuilt her life with the help of continuous psychological and legal counselling provided by the North-West DLSA’s.
The girl initially came to the DLSA office with her father, deeply distressed after facing physical and emotional abuse by the accused. During the first counselling session, she recounted how the accused had beaten her, threatened her, and sent her disturbing messages. She was injured on her leg with a pair of scissors, and her hands, legs, and mouth were tied with cloth. She was then taken to a factory where she was forcibly restrained and sexually assaulted. A video was recorded of her in a naked state, and she was threatened that it would be made viral. As a result, she was unable to speak about the incident to anyone at home. Her father is someone who adheres strictly to societal norms, and she feared that she would be blamed for the incident. This fear weakened her resolve, and she was forced to endure the trauma in silence.
She expressed her inability to cope with the recurring trauma and confusion about what to do next.
Counselling sessions focused on understanding her psychological state and addressing age-specific issues such as fear, stress, adjustment problems, and social stigmas. Family counselling sessions were conducted where her father was sensitised about his daughter’s mental health and the impact of constant taunts and blame. She was also counselled on the importance of emotional support, the need to eliminate stereotypical social beliefs, and suicide prevention strategies.
Over time, follow-up sessions included career counselling and discussions on vocational training opportunities. The victim was encouraged to participate actively in the legal process, including speaking up in court if she felt ready. This helped in boosting her confidence and empowering her to reclaim control over her life.
The counsellor, recognizing the girl’s need for a safe and nurturing environment, recommended a temporary shift to her grandmother’s house. This change provided a much-needed positive atmosphere, where she began preparing for her board exams and also started planning to enroll in vocational training with her aunt.
Throughout the counselling process, the DLSA team provided consistent psychological, emotional, and legal support. The girl gradually showed signs of healing — she resumed studying, regained her appetite, and began to express her emotions more openly. The counsellor was also introduced to e-Court facilities and guided about her legal rights and options.
Today, the victim is living with her mother and brother, preparing for her board exams and vocational courses, and showing determination to become independent and self-reliant. The transformation in her behaviour, mindset, and confidence stands as a testament to the impact of compassionate and continuous counselling.
With the improvement in her mental and emotional state, and successful reintegration into a supportive environment, the counselling process was formally closed. This case highlights how timely intervention, empathetic guidance, and family support — under the guidance of the North-West DLSA counsellor — can help survivors rebuild their lives and look toward a hopeful future.