🛡 Rape & Sexual Assault Victim Support

Your Rights as a Survivor

Indian law provides strong protections for survivors of sexual assault. Understanding your rights is the first step toward justice:

• Right to File FIR at Any Police Station: Under Section 154 CrPC, you can file an FIR at any police station, not just where the crime occurred. No police officer can refuse to register your FIR.
• Right to a Female Police Officer: The statement of a rape survivor must be recorded by a female police officer or a magistrate, at the victim's residence or a place of their choice.
• Right to Free Medical Examination: All government hospitals are required to provide free medical examination and treatment to rape victims — they cannot demand payment or ask you to come with police first.
• Right to Legal Aid: Under Section 357A CrPC and Legal Services Authorities Act, you are entitled to free legal aid and a free lawyer.
• Right to Compensation: Rape victims are entitled to financial compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme of the respective state.
• Right to Privacy: Media and courts cannot disclose your identity. This is a punishable offense under Section 228A IPC.
• Right to Speedy Trial: Sexual assault cases must be completed within 2 months in Fast Track Courts.

Applicable Laws

• IPC Section 376 (now BNS Section 63) — Rape: punishment of 7 years to life imprisonment.
• IPC Section 376A–376E — Aggravated rape, gang rape (death penalty for repeat offenders), sexual assault by persons in authority.
• POCSO Act, 2012 — Protection of Children from Sexual Offences — for victims under 18 years. Strict punishments including death penalty for penetrative assault on a child below 12.
• IPC Section 354 — Assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty of a woman.
• IPC Section 354A/B/C/D — Sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism.
• Nirbhaya Fund — Victim compensation and support schemes available to all rape survivors.

What to Do Immediately After an Assault

• Safety first: Get to a safe place immediately.
• Medical attention: Go to the nearest government hospital for medical examination and treatment. Do not change clothes or bathe before examination if possible — to preserve evidence.
• Report the crime: File an FIR at the nearest police station. You can also call Women Helpline 181 or Police 100.
• Take someone trusted with you — a family member, friend, or NGO representative.
• Call us: We can accompany you to the police station, help you understand the process, and ensure your rights are protected throughout.

How We Support Survivors

• Free, confidential legal consultation at a time and place of your comfort.
• Guidance on filing FIR, and ensuring police takes proper action.
• Assistance in case police refuses to file FIR — filing a complaint before Magistrate under Section 156(3).
• Connecting you with medical, psychological, and shelter support services.
• Helping apply for Victim Compensation under Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme.
• Legal representation through trial (fee-based for court proceedings; free advice always provided).

Support for Male Survivors

Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender. The law has evolved to provide protections to all genders. We provide equally sensitive and confidential support to male survivors and members of the LGBTQ+ community.