A workshop on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was organized by the school counsellor, Ms. Mrinalini Sabharwal, for students in classes 6th to 12th. The purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness about the POCSO Act, which provides legal protection to children under 18 from sexual abuse, exploitation, and pornography.

The workshop aimed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Provide an overview of the POCSO Act and its provisions.

2. Educate students about the rights of children and how the law protects them.

3. Discuss preventive measures and the importance of creating a safe environment for children.

4. Raise awareness about the legal obligations of individuals and institutions in reporting child sexual abuse.

5. Empower children to identify signs of abuse and respond appropriately.

During the workshop, a detailed presentation was given on the key features of the POCSO Act, including the definitions of offences, punishment for perpetrators, and the procedures for reporting and dealing with child sexual abuse cases. The mandatory reporting clauses of the Act, which require anyone aware of an incident of child sexual abuse to report it to the authorities, were also explained.

The workshop emphasized the important roles that schools, NGOs, and caregivers play in preventing abuse, recognizing signs of abuse, and supporting victims. Additionally, the discussion focused on child-sensitive procedures during investigation and trial to ensure that children are not further traumatized during legal proceedings.