Awareness programme on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act held in Hojai

A CORRESPONDENT

HOJAI: An awareness programme on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was held for caregivers in Hira Basti in Hojai on Tuesday. FS Programme of SOS Children’s Village of Hojai in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), organized the programme. The initiative aimed to educate parents and guardians on child protection laws, reporting mechanisms, and preventive measures against abuse.

The session was addressed by Merlin Hazarika, Secretary, DLSA Hojai, Dipnajali Devi, Programme Officer (I/C), and Beauty Gogoi, Law Officer, DCPU Hojai. Hazarika highlighted the free legal services and victim support facilities under DLSA, including compensation provisions during trial. Devi spoke on child rights, the concepts of ‘Good Touch’ and ‘Bad Touch,’ and the importance of building trust so children can freely share any unpleasant experiences. Gogoi elaborated on the provisions of the POCSO Act, forms of harassment covered under the law, and various reporting channels such as toll-free helplines and online platforms. She also discussed the growing issue of online harassment and the confidentiality safeguards provided by the Act.

Over 50 caregivers participated in the programme, which concluded with an interactive session where participants asked questions on safeguarding measures available under the DCPU. The event was coordinated by animators of Hira Basti under the guidance of the AVD FS Programme of SOS Children’s Village.

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