On 5th March 2025, YUVA India, in collaboration with SUPPORT NGO, conducted a crucial awareness session on child safety and the POCSO Act at the SUPPORT Rehabilitation Centre in Kadamwadi, Santacruz, Mumbai. The session aimed to educate young girls residing in the shelter home about their rights, personal safety, and the importance of recognising and reporting abuse.

Guiding the Session with Expertise

The session was led by Ms Vanita Salunke and Mr Vijay Powar from YUVA India, alongside Ms Shweta Rane, the Probation Officer of the SUPPORT Rehabilitation Centre. All the girls participated, showing keen interest in understanding ways to safeguard themselves against abuse.

The presence of experienced facilitators ensured that the session was engaging and that the girls felt comfortable discussing this sensitive subject. The facilitators highlighted real-life scenarios and encouraged an open conversation, helping the girls feel empowered to speak up about their concerns.

Creating a Safe Space for Learning

Recognising the sensitivity of the topic, the session was structured to provide a safe and supportive environment. The girls were shown two important videos—one focusing on child sexual abuse and the other explaining the POCSO Act. These visual tools made the session engaging and easy to understand.

By using storytelling and relatable content, the videos helped the girls understand the importance of personal boundaries, recognising inappropriate behaviour, and knowing when and how to seek help. The facilitators paused the videos at crucial moments to explain concepts and answer any questions, ensuring that the key messages were effectively conveyed.

The Impact of Visual Storytelling

The animated videos helped the girls grasp:

• The importance of personal safety and setting boundaries.
• Different types of abuse and how to recognise them.
• How to report an incident to a trusted adult or authority.
• Understanding that abuse is never the fault of the victim.

The emotional connection created through storytelling made the session more impactful. Many girls watched attentively, realising the significance of speaking up and seeking help when needed. The session also included real-life examples to help them relate to the information more effectively.

Understanding the POCSO Act

The POCSO Act is a vital law in India that protects children from sexual offences. The session covered key aspects such as:

• What constitutes child sexual abuse and its different forms.
• Legal rights and protections available to children.
• The role of law enforcement and child welfare organisations in supporting victims.
• The importance of speaking up and seeking justice without fear.
• How to navigate legal procedures if they or someone they know needs to report an offence.

Ms Vanita Salunke reinforced that abuse is never the fault of the victim and encouraged the girls to be aware of their rights and seek help whenever necessary.

Encouraging Conversations and Awareness

To help the girls feel confident and empowered, the session included an interactive discussion, where they openly expressed their thoughts and concerns, including:

• How to handle uncomfortable situations.
• Ways to support a friend who may be in distress.
• The importance of breaking the silence on abuse.
• How to identify trusted adults they can confide in.

The facilitators encouraged the girls to ask questions without fear, ensuring they fully understood the concepts discussed. Many girls shared personal insights and acknowledged the importance of being aware of their rights.

Essential Helpline Services for Protection

One of the most crucial takeaways from the session was raising awareness about helpline services such as Childline 1098, which operates 24/7 to support children in distress. The girls were encouraged to remember this number and use it whenever they or someone they know is in need.

The facilitators explained how Childline works, detailing the process of seeking assistance, the importance of confidentiality, and the kind of support the service provides. Another toll-free helpline was also introduced, reinforcing that support is always available and no child should suffer in silence.

Additionally, they were given practical guidance on how to report abuse safely, ensuring that they understood they would be heard and supported.

Building a Safer Tomorrow

As the session concluded, the girls expressed a sense of empowerment and awareness about their rights and safety. They appreciated the guidance and were encouraged to share this knowledge with their peers.

Ms Vanita Salunke urged the girls to be vigilant, speak up, and reach out for help whenever necessary. She also stressed the importance of continuous learning and awareness to prevent child abuse and create a safer society.

The session ended with a commitment from the facilitators to return for follow-up interactions, ensuring that the girls continue to feel supported and informed.

YUVA India’s Commitment to Child Welfare

YUVA India remains dedicated to raising awareness, educating children, and ensuring their safety. Through continued efforts and collaborations like this, we strive to build a future where every child grows up in a protected and empowering environment.

By educating and equipping young girls with knowledge, we take a step towards eliminating child abuse and fostering a safer society for future generations.

We believe that education and awareness are the strongest tools in preventing abuse, and we remain committed to working alongside organisations like SUPPORT NGO to ensure that every child knows their rights and has access to the help they need.