A workshop on the provisions of the POCSO Act was organized for the teachers of the Senior School on 1 July 2023. Ms Prerna Tandon (Advocate ) examined all the legal aspects of this very stringent piece of regulation as well as some recent cases and the few loopholes still to be addressed. She also highlighted the fact that reporting any case of child sexual abuse is mandatory according to law. The Parliament of India passed the ‘Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Bill (POCSO), 2011’ regarding child sexual abuse in 2012 but CSA continues to be rampant, making it important for the teaching community to be aware of the provisions of this Act. Ms Sandeep Kaur Oberoi (Counsellor and mental health professional) discussed the emotional and psychological impact of sexual offences and mentioned ways in which teachers can provide a safe space and be patient listeners in such cases.
