Counsellor suspended in Palathayi POCSO case after criticism by court
Counsellor suspended in Palathayi POCSO case after criticism by court
## Counsellor Suspended Amidst Allegations of Trauma Re-Infliction in Palathayi POCSO Case
**Kannur, Kerala** – A counsellor affiliated with the Women and Child Development (WCD) department in Kerala has been suspended from duty following serious allegations of inflicting further emotional distress upon a survivor involved in the ongoing Palathayi Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case. The suspension follows a period of intense scrutiny and mounting criticism, particularly from the judiciary, regarding the handling of the survivor’s psychological well-being throughout the legal proceedings.
The Palathayi POCSO case, which has garnered significant public attention due to its sensitive nature and alleged mishandling, centers around accusations of sexual abuse against a teacher at a school in the Palathayi region. The case has been fraught with controversy from its inception, facing accusations of political interference and procedural irregularities. Now, the focus has shifted to the role of the WCD counsellor and the support provided to the young survivor.
Details emerging from legal circles suggest that the counsellor is accused of employing interrogation techniques that were perceived as insensitive and potentially re-traumatizing. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the counsellor’s approach during sessions with the survivor allegedly involved repeated questioning about the details of the alleged abuse, without adequate consideration for the potential emotional impact. This, critics argue, exacerbated the survivor’s trauma and hindered the healing process.
The suspension order, issued by the WCD department, signifies a serious acknowledgment of the gravity of the allegations. While the department has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation, officials have confirmed that a thorough inquiry is underway to determine the veracity of the claims. The investigation will reportedly involve a review of session recordings, interviews with relevant parties, and an assessment of the counsellor’s adherence to established protocols for trauma-informed care.
This development has sparked a renewed debate about the need for specialized training and rigorous oversight of professionals working with child sexual abuse survivors. Advocacy groups have long argued that counsellors involved in such cases require a deep understanding of trauma and its effects, as well as the ability to provide support in a sensitive and non-judgmental manner. The current allegations highlight the potential for well-intentioned interventions to inadvertently cause further harm if not conducted with the utmost care and expertise.
The suspension also raises questions about the broader systemic issues within the WCD department regarding the support provided to survivors of sexual abuse. Critics contend that inadequate resources, insufficient training, and a lack of clear accountability mechanisms contribute to the risk of re-traumatization within the system. Calls are growing for a comprehensive review of the department’s policies and procedures to ensure that survivors receive the compassionate and effective support they deserve.
The outcome of the investigation into the counsellor’s conduct will undoubtedly have significant implications, not only for the individual involved but also for the future of survivor support services in Kerala. It serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required when navigating the complexities of child sexual abuse cases and the paramount importance of prioritizing the well-being and healing of the survivor above all else. The case underscores the urgent need for a trauma-informed approach across all stages of the legal and support systems, ensuring that justice is not only served, but also delivered with compassion and sensitivity.
This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.
