POCSO
Additional Information
Who is Protected?
POCSO provides protection to children, with a child being a person below the age of 18 years. Understanding who is protected and the nature of the protections available is an important part of child-safety awareness.
What Constitutes an Offence?
Child sexual abuse may take different forms, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and exploitation through physical or digital means. This section explains the broad categories of offences covered under POCSO and promotes awareness of conduct that can place children at risk.
Mandatory Reporting
POCSO contains provisions concerning the reporting of offences involving children. Understanding reporting responsibilities is particularly important for parents, guardians, teachers, school authorities, professionals, and institutions working with children.
Child-Friendly Procedures
Children involved in legal proceedings require sensitivity, dignity, privacy, and appropriate protection. We explain the importance of child-friendly procedures and the safeguards intended to reduce further trauma during the legal process.
Role of Parents & Guardians
Parents and guardians play an important role in creating a safe environment where children feel comfortable speaking about uncomfortable or unsafe experiences. Awareness, listening without judgment, appropriate reporting, and seeking professional support can make an important difference.
Role of Schools
Schools have a significant responsibility in creating safe environments for children. Awareness programmes, child-protection policies, responsible reporting, staff sensitisation, and age-appropriate safety education can contribute to effective prevention and protection.
Role of Institutions
Institutions working with children must understand their responsibilities towards child safety and protection. Our resources encourage organisations to develop appropriate safeguarding practices, awareness mechanisms, and responsible responses to concerns involving children.
Know Pocso
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, commonly known as POCSO, provides a legal framework for protecting children from sexual offences and addresses procedures for dealing with such cases. We explain the Act in simple language to promote awareness among children, parents, schools, and communities. If you feel like talking about it or want legal advice related to Pocso, click the below button.