A Journey of Healing and Resilience

**Background:**
A ten-year-old girl, a victim(Z) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, approached the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) for counseling through the Sampark FIR initiative. Accompanied by her father, she appeared nervous and confused. The father reported significant changes in her behavior before and after the case. Once a lively and naughty child, she had become withdrawn and fearful, especially of men, and had developed a trust issue with her mother.The mother’s neglect and the frequent visits of the accused, during which the sisters were locked in the terrace, intensified her trauma.

**Initial Challenges:**
– **Behavioral Changes:** The victim exhibited a stark shift from being a playful child to someone who isolated herself. She now displayed fear and a lack of trust, particularly towards men.
– **Family Dynamics:** The victim faced neglect from her mother, who was not supportive and had a strained relationship with her, impacting the child’s sense of security.
– **Social Isolation:** The girl had stopped interacting with friends and struggled to communicate her thoughts, leading to further emotional distress.

**Counseling Approach:**
1. **Mental Health Counseling:** The counselor focused on addressing the girl’s trauma through mental health counseling. The approach was patient and empathetic, aiming to rebuild her trust and confidence.

2. **Art Therapy:** Initially, the girl was hesitant to engage in art therapy. However, with encouragement from the counselor, she drew a flower by copying the counselor’s drawing. This act was a significant step in rekindling her creativity and willingness to participate.

3. **Educational Support:** To boost her engagement and sense of normalcy, the counselor provided simple addition sums. This not only helped her in improving her academic skills but also in increasing her participation and interaction with her peer group.

4. **Positive Reinforcement:** The counselor suggested the father create a positive environment at home. Implementing a reward system for her accomplishments and positive behavior was recommended to reinforce her self-esteem and motivation.

5. **Strengthening Support Networks:** The victim found solace in her bua (aunt) and grandmother. The counselor encouraged leveraging these supportive relationships to help the girl feel more secure and understood.
**Progress and Family Dynamics:**
By the second session, the girl showed signs of progress. She began to vocalize her frustrations and feelings about her mother, illustrating her growing ability to confront and express her emotions. Despite some remaining challenges, such as her father’s disappointment with the pace of improvement, the counselor suggested involving the girl in activities like gardening and music. These activities aimed to provide her with a constructive outlet for her emotions and to foster a sense of normalcy and joy.
**Final Assessment and Outcome:**
In the final counseling session, the girl’s progress was evident. She actively shared updates about her friends and sister, reflecting her improved social interactions and emotional recovery. Her willingness to discuss family dynamics and express happiness about new friendships indicated a positive shift in her psychological state. She demonstrated increased confidence, engagement in school, and a more positive outlook on life.
Her father noted a significant return to her pre-incident behavior, including her enthusiasm for school and interaction with friends. The counseling process successfully addressed her trauma and facilitated a meaningful recovery. She displayed enhanced self-awareness, better communication skills, and an improved sense of security.

**Progress and Outcomes:**
– **Increased Participation:** The girl’s participation in counseling sessions improved as she became more engaged in activities like drawing and solving addition sums.
– **Enhanced Communication:** With continuous support, she began to open up more and communicate her feelings and thoughts.
– **Improved Family Dynamics:** The father worked on creating a more supportive home environment, leading to a gradual improvement in the victim’s trust and behavior.
– **Strengthened Support System:** The presence of her bua and grandmother provided a comforting and stable support system, aiding her recovery.

**Conclusion:**
Through dedicated counseling and a supportive family environment, the victim made significant progress. The combination of mental health support, art therapy, educational engagement, and positive reinforcement played a crucial role in her journey towards healing and resilience. The girl’s story reflects the power of compassionate intervention and the importance of a supportive network in overcoming trauma.