Date: 20/07/24
Venue: Mini Auditorium
Resource Person: Ms Sriharshitha Chada, Legal Consultant, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Hyderabad
Time: 11.15.am – 12.15pm

On July 20, 2024, A Sensititaion Workshop on Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 (POCSO) was organised for the new recruits and staff for the current year 2024-25 in the Mini Auditorium.The primary objective of the session was to create an awareness of the POCSO Act 2012, to educate the teachers on identifying and reporting child sexual abuse and to throw light on preventive and support mechanisms for the victims.

The resource person, Ms Sriharhsitha began with a detailed overview of the POCSO Act highlighting its importance and key provisions designed to safeguard children from sexual offences.This included defining ‘Child Sexual Abuse’under the Act, details of the POCSO act, Indicators of Abuse(Physical and Behavourial) Physical and Non – Physical Contact abuse, Causes of Abuse and Characteristics of an Abuser.

Participants were informed about the steps to report a case under the POCSO Act. Emphasis was placed on the confidentiality and sensitivity required while handling such cases.
Ms Harshitha discussed various preventive measures, including the importance of creating a safe environment for children and educating them about their rights and personal safety.

Case studies were shared to illustrate the kind of perpetrators/ abusers who have been accused of child sexual abuse. It was revealed that most of the abusers were from the child’s own family. The resource person also clarified that if the abuser is a minor, they will be tried under the Juvenile Justice Act.Since the Act is gender neutral, there is no discrimination whatsoever and anyone who is a victim can report the issue as the case may be.

The session saw an active participation of the teachers present there. Many practical questions were addressed for a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions in reporting and handling abuse cases.

The POCSO session concluded with a note of appreciation by Ms Charlotte Raj and Ms. Neelima(Head- Junior School) for Ms. Harshitha and she was presented with a Memento and Sapling as well.The teachers were also made aware that if any such issues are shared with them by the student/s, they can feel free to approach the School Counsellors. Ms Charlotte Raj( Senior and Primary), Ms Pranathi Paidi( Middle School) and Ms. Samprikta Datta(IGCSE) who will take it up for further intervention.

The session successfully ended with participants being equipped with the knowledge of safeguarding children at school and the role of teachers in this regard.. More training sessions and follow – up workshops are planned to continue this important work.

Submitted by
Charlotte Raj, I/C Psychology and Counselling Department

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