Experts share insights on protecting children from sexual abuse, combating gender stereotypes

JAMMU: The J&K Judicial Academy, under the leadership of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and guided by the Chairperson and Members of its Governing Committee, hosted a two-day sensitization program on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
The event was held at the J&K Police Auditorium in Gulshan Ground, Jammu, with the aim of educating various stakeholders, including Judicial Officers, Special Public Prosecutors, Medical Officers, Forensic Science Laboratory officers, police officers, and members of Sexual Harassment Probe Committees and Gender Sensitization Internal Committees from across Jammu province.
The program, titled “POCSO Act and POSH Act with Special Reference to SAMVAD’s Training Manual and Combating Gender Stereotypes,” was inaugurated by Justice Sindhu Sharma, Chairperson of the Sexual Harassment Probe Committee, in the presence of Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Rahul Bharti, Anand Jain (ADGP, Jammu), Shiv Kumar (DIG Jammu), and Joginder Singh (SSP Jammu).
In her inaugural address, Justice Sindhu Sharma emphasized the need for such sensitization programs to raise awareness among stakeholders about the sensitivities involved in dealing with victims under the POCSO and POSH Acts. She highlighted the importance of protecting the interests of children, both as victims and witnesses, and underscored the necessity for explicit definitions and penalties for offenses against children. Justice Sharma also stressed the importance of combating gender stereotypes, as outlined in a handbook released by the Supreme Court of India, which provides practical tools for addressing these issues.
Justice Rahul Bharti, in his special remarks, underscored the significance of laws like the POCSO Act in protecting children and providing a robust justice mechanism for victims of sexual abuse. He noted that incidents of sexual abuse against children occur in various settings, including schools, religious places, parks, and hostels, highlighting the need for special legislation to address these crimes effectively.
Anand Jain, ADGP Jammu, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the necessity of special legislation like the POCSO Act in light of alarming statistics on child sexual abuse. He emphasized the importance of robust implementation and adequate rehabilitation facilities to ensure the act’s effectiveness.
The program featured sessions by various experts, including Sunil Sethi, Sr. Advocate, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, who explained the objectives and contours of the POCSO Act, emphasizing the need for child-friendly court procedures. Justice Rajnesh Oswal provided a detailed overview of framing charges in POCSO trials and the importance of handling evidence sensitively. Smt. Seema Khajuria Shekhar, Sr. Advocate, discussed gender discrimination and the importance of gender mainstreaming and workplace equality under the POSH Act.
The program concluded with an interactive session where participants shared their experiences and challenges, and resource persons provided satisfactory answers to their queries. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all participants, particularly the Chairman and Resource Persons, for their valuable input towards the program’s success.

KR Desk