Sonipat 15th October, 2015
The Centre for Victimology & Psychological Studies (CVPS) an offshoot of Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS) at O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat is hosting the 4th International Conference on Victimology on 30th and 31st October, 2015, based on the theme of Professionalism in Victim Assistance Programmes: Role of Social Workers, Psychologists, Judiciary, Government and NGOs.
Dr. Sanjeev Sahni, Principal Director of JIBS and Director of CVPS while speaking on the objective of the conference said that “the aim of the conference is to create awareness amongst academicians, professionals, psychiatrists, students and general public regarding the importance of victim’s rights and the urgent need for exploration of the existing supportive policies and measures to protect and rehabilitate victims.” He further highlighted that the “conference could be a breeding ground to generate insights and initiate research studies that examined the precursors, vulnerabilities, events, impacts, recoveries and responses by people, organizations and cultures related to victimization.”
A number of international and national speakers will address the conference. Prof. Emilio Viano, President of International Society for Criminology and Prof. Marc Groenhuijsen, President of World Society of Victimology, will be delivering keynote addresses at the conference. Both are pioneers in the field of victimology studies and have been recognized internationally for their contributions to justice and human rights. As an expert in trans-national crime, Prof. Viano also lectures at the Department of Justice, Law and Society at American University and Prof Groenhuijsen has been a part of the law faculty at University of Leiden and Tilburg University and is the founding director of INTERVICT (International Victimology Institute, Tilburg).
Prof. Gerd Ferdinand Kirchhoff from Tokiwa International Victimology Institute, Japan will be talking about Victimology – a Theory with Consequence. Prof. Adam Dubin from University of Pontifica Comillas, Spain will highlight the challenges faced in providing effective legal aid for Africa’s marginalized citizens. Dr. Hema Hargovan from University of KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa will throw some light on professionalising child protection in emergencies based on her research with sex workers in Kampala, Uganda.
Other distinguished national speakers at the conference will include;
Dr. M. Priyamvadha, President of Indian Society of Victimology – Devadasi system and stakeholders response on practice of killing elderly people in India.
Dr. Beulah Shekhar, Manomaniam Sundaranar University, India – Towards a victim justice system – A new vision of Justice for crime victims in India.
M. Uma Maheswari, University of Madras – Government & Victims: Protectors and Oppressors
Prof. Dinesh Chhabra, University of Delhi – Psychology of Eyewitness testimony: Implications for fair trial.
Prof. Deepika Gupta, Punjab University – Role of United Nations as a guardian of women rights
Prof. Sanjeev Kumar, Punjab University – Interventions by social workers for solving the problem of women
In addition to organizing international conferences, various workshops and seminars, CVPS is actively involved in multidisciplinary and collaborative research projects. These programs seek to provide legal, psychological, educational, medical and rehabilitative assistance and support for various types of victims.
Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences provides round the clock counselling assistance to individuals in distress, the institute has set a dedicated helpline and a toll free number has been generated for this purpose. The service is available for school children, parents, teachers and guardians of children in distress. The service provides for psychological, sociological, educational and legal assistance with the objective of not only providing assistance, but also ensuring holistic development. The helpline is operated by competent professionals who are qualified to manage crisis by offering a compassionate and non-judgmental platform. It seeks to provide confidential support services by keeping caller’s identity anonymous.
JIBS also conducts free short-term courses for students and teachers, these programs are operated with an objective to equip individuals to manage their challenges effectively. The program course modules are highly interactive and allow participants to familiarize themselves with modern concepts and also brush their existing skills. Some of the key courses being offered by JIBS are, Identifying Best Teaching Practices, Learning Disability, Stress Management and Performance Enhancement, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anger Management, Positive Psychology, Assertive Discipline and Understanding ADHD.
