impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women of human rights and fundamental freedoms. When women are victims of crime the police officers need to take special care. The following principles can be emphasised¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Police officers should always respect the victim’s dignity. This is reflected in the way police talk and deal with victims. If possible a female police officer should assist a woman victim, especially when she has been the victim of a violent crime or abuse. Where possible, statements should be taken in private. In the case of a victim of abuse, the police officer should remember that he or she is dealing with a person who has already been impaired, who has been ill-treated and humiliated, and who will therefore be much more vulnerable than other members of the community, The police should not worsen the primary suffering by adding to it with their own conduct. Police officers are usually the first point of contact for female victims. The welfare and well-being of the victim should be the police officer’s highest priority. The crime occurring cannot be reversed, but adequate help and assistance to the victim will definitely contribute towards limiting the negative consequences of that crime. In Delhi Domestic Working Women’s Forum v. Union of India, The Supreme Court indicated the following, ‘‘Broad parameters for assisting the victims of rape.’ ‘ • The complainants in sexual assault cases may need to be provided with legal representation. Legal assistance would have to be provided at the police station since the victim of sexual assault might very well be in a distressed state upon arrival at the police station; the guidance and support of a lawyer at this stage and whilst she was being questioned would be of great assistance to her. The police is under a duty to inform the victim of her right to representation before any questions are asked of her and the police report should state that the victim was so informed. A list of advocates willing to act in these cases should be kept at the police station for victims who do not have a particular lawyer in mind or whose own lawyer is unavailable. • • • 54 Manual on Human Rights for Police Officers