Inviting your views to create awareness on POCSO Act

Children are innocent and simple. People around them take advantage of this innocence and children become victims of exploitation. To ensure the safety of children, the government had to formulate the Protection of Children from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Offenses Act, 2012 i.e. POCSO Act. This act puts children under the age of 18 (irrespective of their gender), who have been sexually abused or attempted to commit any kind, under the purview of the following law. In this law-

● Children have been provided protection from crimes such as sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
● The law works in both cases; where the child has been, or is likely to be sexually abused.
● This law is gender neutral.
● The cases under it are heard in a special court.
● The accused has to prove that he did not commit the crime, the victim does not have to prove anything.
● The Act also entails a provision for strict action in any type of sexual offenses on children below 18 years of age, ranging from fine to life imprisonment and even death penalty.

There is a need to understand that irrespective of age, class, caste or religion, a child can fall victim to exploitation and assault that could be physical, mental and even sexual. It has often been observed that the child's acquaintance or family member is doing so. In such a situation, it is very important to listen carefully to the child and trust him. It is equally essential that children are taught the difference between good touch and bad touch. Empower child by giving proper information so that he can recognize such threats and complain immediately.

It is also necessary for parents to have a keen observation of the behaviour of their children and try to find out reasons upon noticing even the slightest change in behaviour. Things like the child being scared of going to a particular person or feeling uncomfortable in his/her company should compel the parents to take immediate notice.

What is POCSO act?
POCSO act provides protection against serious sexual offences including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and pornography of minor children. Child line number 1098, Toll Free No. 1800115455, and POCSO e-box have been prepared by the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights for complaints to protect children from such crimes. Children or their parents can easily complain using either of the two.

The Department of Women and Child Development, Madhya Pradesh requests citizens to keep themselves updated with POCSO Act to protect children around them from being exploited. Share your thoughts with us on the below mentioned:

● What should be the role of parents, teachers, schools, society in protecting children from sexual exploitation and sexual offenses?
● How to popularize the Act?
● Can children be protected from such exploitation at home and outside with little vigilance and sensitivity?
● Can such crime be checked by spreading awareness on their punishments?

If you have any suggestions and ideas on spreading awareness about the Act and its punishments, share it with us. To know more about the POCSO act, click here.