Disha For Victim

DISHA for victims is non- profit organisation in India registered in 2008 under Societies Registration Act, 1860. It works for rights and holistic restoration of victim of violent crimes. Crime is not new and touches every section of society. Offender is 'Doer' of incident of crime, whereas victim and dependents are the 'Sufferers'. Crime either violent or economic has deep impact on life of victim. Victim experiences different kinds of losses. The Indian Criminal Justice system was devised to protect rights of innocents and punish guilty. But few provisions are featured to protect victim. Victim activates criminal justice system as complainant and his or her role ends after giving witness, if needed. The focus of criminal justice system is on prosecution and punishment of accused. Victim irrespective of offense, wait for long years for justice. The case ends with acquittal or punishment to accused. The pain, plight of victim remain unaddressed in criminal justice system. Incident of crime cracks down as crisis for victim. The impact of crime intensifies based on gender, social class, literacy, religion or political affiliation, socio-economic and cultural status. It get intensified with unequal opportunities and unequal access to available resources. Victim struggles with fear, shame, helplessness, confusion, unfamiliarity and ignorance about functioning of justice delivery system. After incident of crime, he interfaces with unknown justice delivery system and curious society. Without or with little information or guidance, he confront with his inner turmoil, justice delivery system and society. Ignorance about justice delivery system, absence of victim law, and lack of restorative support services (Government or Nongovernment) lead to further victimisation of victim. Therefore DISHA for victim started work for rights and holistic restoration of victim of violent crimes in 2009 in Amravati district, Maharashtra.