In Conversation With Yogesh Parshad of Law Power Association

GIVE.DO is in conversation with Yogesh Parshad of Law Power Association a Punjab-based organization that provides crucial legal assistance to child victims of rape and child labour who are from underprivileged families and cannot afford legal services. Founded in 2018 by Yogesh Parshad, Law Power Association has secured justice for thousands of children and helped thousands more families from disadvantaged backgrounds rebuild their lives after the worst injustices affected the most cherished members of their families: children. Here, we ask the NGO’s founder, Yogesh Parshad, 5 questions on Law Power Association and how people can support their noble work!

 

Give.do: Please tell us how poverty makes it difficult for underprivileged families to get access to justice for their children who have been exploited? 

Yogesh Parshad: Poverty significantly impacts underprivileged families, particularly in accessing justice for their exploited children. Many families lack knowledge about their legal rights and the judicial process. This makes it difficult for them to navigate the complexities of the legal system. There is often a mistrust of law enforcement and legal institutions, leading to reluctance in reporting crimes or seeking help. Legal fees can be prohibitively expensive, leaving families unable to hire competent lawyers who can effectively advocate for their children. Beyond legal fees, there are costs associated with travel, documentation, and other necessary expenses that can add up, creating additional barriers. 

Underprivileged families often feel isolated and believe that no one will support them. This lack of community backing can exacerbate their feelings of helplessness. Migrant families may face additional challenges due to language barriers and cultural differences, making it harder to seek help or understand the legal process. Families of the accused may exert pressure on the victims’ families, using intimidation tactics to dissuade them from pursuing justice. Victim families may fear retaliation from the accused or their families, further discouraging them from coming forward. 

The experience of exploitation, combined with the pressures of navigating the legal system, can lead to significant psychological trauma for both the victims and their families. Continuous exposure to these challenges can create a pervasive sense of powerlessness, making families feel that they have lost their rights and options. There may be inherent biases within the legal system that disadvantage underprivileged families, making it even harder for them to achieve justice. Social services and legal aid organizations may be underfunded or overwhelmed, limiting the assistance available to these families.

 

Give.do: Can you tell us about the first incident of child sexual exploitation you came across and how this made you establish Law Power Association?

Yogesh Parshad: In a bustling city, amidst the struggles of daily life, an 11-year-old girl lived in a humble Jhuggi. One sweltering summer day, she ventured to her neighbor’s house, hoping to ask for some ice to cool her water. Little did she know, this innocent act would lead to a nightmare that would change her life forever. For the next 7-8 months, this girl endured unimaginable suffering as her neighbor continuously exploited her. The horror of her situation remained hidden until the signs of pregnancy became undeniable. When her family discovered the truth, they rushed her to the hospital, where the shocking reality emerged: their daughter was 8 months pregnant. Determined to seek justice, the family approached the police. However, their journey was fraught with challenges. 

The initial resistance from law enforcement made them feel powerless. Eventually, after much persistence, an FIR was registered, but by then, the main accused had fled, leaving the family feeling abandoned and alone. The co-accused, a woman who conspired to sell the child born from this horrific exploitation, was apprehended. This case, filled with despair and injustice, ignited a fire within me to help those who felt voiceless. While accompanying the victim to court for her 164 CrPC statement, I noticed her sitting outside, overwhelmed and isolated. It struck me how vulnerable she was at that moment. I approached the court and passionately advocated for her dignity, urging that she be allowed inside, where she could feel safe and supported. 

After a long and arduous legal battle, we achieved a significant victory: the co-accused was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, our fight didn’t end there. Realizing that no compensation had been awarded to the victim, I filed a petition requesting a substantial amount to support both her and her newborn child. The court ultimately granted ₹800,000 as compensation, a lifeline for the family in their time of need. This harrowing experience opened my eyes to the urgent need for support systems for victims of child sexual exploitation. I realized that many families, like the one I had just helped, felt lost and powerless. They needed a dedicated organization to advocate for their rights, provide legal assistance, and offer emotional support. Thus, the Law Power Association was born. Our mission is clear: to empower victims, raise awareness about their rights, and ensure they have access to justice. We aim to create a community where no child feels alone in their fight against exploitation.

 

Give.do: How does Law Power Association help these children and families who have experienced trauma?

Law Power Association is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to children and families who have experienced trauma, particularly in cases of child sexual exploitation. Our approach is holistic, focusing on legal, emotional, and psychological assistance. Our team consists of professional lawyers who specialize in child protection laws. They provide expert legal representation to ensure that victims receive justice. We strive to minimize the number of times a victim must appear in court. We understand that repeated appearances can be traumatic, so we work to consolidate testimonies whenever possible. 

Our association includes trained counselors who specialize in child trauma. They provide emotional support and counseling to help victims process their experiences. After the victim’s testimony, we maintain regular contact with the family, offering continued emotional support and guidance. This helps to create a sense of stability and reassurance. We create safe and supportive environments for victims and their families, ensuring they feel secure and understood throughout their journey. We engage with the entire family, recognizing that trauma affects not just the victim but also their loved ones. We provide resources and support for the whole family unit. We conduct workshops and seminars to educate families about their rights and available resources. 

Empowering families with knowledge is crucial for their recovery and future protection. We advocate for policy changes and better protections for children, working to raise awareness about child exploitation issues within the community. In cases of acute trauma, we provide immediate assistance to victims and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support without delay. We collaborate with medical professionals, social workers, and other organizations to provide a comprehensive support system for victims.

 

Give.do: What is the most rewarding aspect about helping a child and his/her family get access to justice?

The most rewarding aspect of helping a child and their family gain access to justice is undoubtedly the smile of the victim after receiving justice. A smile signifies that the burden of trauma is beginning to lift, allowing the victim to experience a sense of relief and hope for the future. It reflects a moment where the child can begin to reclaim their childhood and joy, moving away from the shadows of their past. The smile represents a recognition that their pain has been heard and validated, and that justice has been served. It signifies that they have taken a courageous step in standing up for their rights and that their voice matters. 

A smile often indicates a renewed sense of hope and possibility, suggesting that the victim can look forward to a brighter future. It can inspire other victims to seek justice, knowing that positive outcomes are achievable. The joy of the victim extends to their family, fostering a sense of unity and strength as they celebrate this significant milestone together. The experience of achieving justice can strengthen family bonds, creating a supportive environment for healing.

 

Give.do: Is there a book or documentary film you recommend for people to learn more about this issue?  

Satyagraha (2013): This film focuses on social issues, particularly the fight against corruption and injustice. It emphasizes the need for people to raise their voices for justice.

Chakdey India (2007): While primarily about sports, this film touches on themes of empowerment and overcoming societal challenges, highlighting the importance of justice and equality.

Master (2021): This film tells the story of a teacher who fights to save a young boy from exploitation and abuse. It focuses on children’s rights and the need for protection.

Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016): This comedy-drama features a girl facing various challenges in her life, shedding light on women’s rights and the injustices they face.

Pink (2016): This film revolves around women’s rights and the fight against sexual harassment. It challenges societal norms and emphasizes the importance of justice for women.

Support Law Power Association

To help underprivileged children who are victims of crimes such as child sexual exploitation and child labour, help Yogesh Parshad and Law Power Association secure justice for these children and their families. To support Law Power Association:

 

Support Law Power Association

 

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