POCSO

Safe & Unsafe Touch Awareness — Building a Safer World for Children

Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and protected — at home, in school, and everywhere in between. Yet, child sexual abuse continues to be one of the most underreported and misunderstood issues in our society.

At  Ecohaat we conduct interactive awareness sessions for school children, teachers, non-teaching staff, and parents — helping them understand the difference between safe and unsafe touch, recognize warning signs, and respond responsibly under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012).

What We Teach Children

Our child-friendly, age-appropriate sessions help children:

  • Understand safe, unsafe, and confusing touch.
  • Learn that their body belongs to them and they have the right to say “No.”
  • Identify trusted adults they can speak to.
  • Know what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • Remember the “No – Go – Tell” safety rule:
    o Say NO to inappropriate touch or behavior.
    o Go away from the situation immediately.
    o Tell a trusted adult right away. 

We use stories, visuals, activities, and role plays to help children learn in a safe and engaging way.

Teachers and school staff play a critical role in early detection and prevention of abuse. Our training helps them:

  • Recognize signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
  • Understand mandatory reporting duties under the POCSO Act.
  • Respond sensitively and appropriately when a child discloses abuse.

Build a child-safe school culture through vigilance and empathy.

Parents are a child’s first line of protection. Our awareness sessions equip parents to:

  • Talk openly to their children about body safety and boundaries.
  • Create a trust-based relationship so children feel safe to share.
  • Be alert to behavioral changes or signs of distress.
  • Understand their legal duties and the process under the POCSO Act.

Do’s for Parents

  • Encourage honest, judgment-free conversations.
  • Teach your child the difference between safe and unsafe touch.
  • Believe your child if they share something uncomfortable.
  • Report suspected abuse immediately to authorities.

 

Don’ts for Parents

  • Don’t shame or silence a child who discloses abuse.
  • Don’t ignore signs of fear, withdrawal, or sudden behavior changes.
  • Don’t force a child to meet or hug someone they’re uncomfortable with.

Abuse can take many forms:

  • Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, or causing bodily harm.
  • Emotional Abuse: Humiliation, threats, constant criticism, neglect.
  • Sexual Abuse: Any act involving a child in sexual activity, including inappropriate touching, exposure, or online grooming.
  • Neglect: Failing to meet a child’s basic needs like food, safety, or care.


Each form of abuse leaves lasting emotional scars — prevention through awareness is the first step toward protection.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 is India’s comprehensive law to safeguard children (below 18 years) from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Key highlights:

  • Covers all forms of sexual assault, harassment, and pornography.
  • Gender-neutral law – protects both boys and girls.
  • Mandates child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial.
  • Mandatory reporting – anyone (teacher, parent, neighbor) who knows of an offense must report it, or they can face legal action.
  • Special courts ensure speedy trials and child-sensitive handling of cases.

We offer structured, age-appropriate sessions for:

  • Students: Understanding body safety and building self-confidence.
  • Teachers & School Staff: Identifying, responding, and reporting abuse.
  • Parents: Talking to children about safety and emotional wellbeing.


Our workshops combine education, empathy, and empowerment — helping create child-safe schools and communities that actively prevent abuse before it happens.