World Vision India Launches Campaign to End Child Sexual Abuse by 2021

World Vision India’s campaign, ’It takes every India to End Child Sexual Abuse’ targets 10 million Children across 25 States and 1 Union Territory

May 29, Ranchi: World Vision India (WVI), a humanitarian organisation working for child protection, launched a nation-wide campaign to end child sexual abuse and exploitation by 2021, in Ranchi today. The campaign titled ‘It Takes Every Indian to End Child Sexual Abuse’ was launched by Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand.

The event was graced by other guests of Honour that included – Mr. Santosh Kumar Satapathy- Principal Secretary to Governor, Jharkhand; Mr. Mukhmeet Singh Bhatia, I.A.S. - Principal Secretary, Women, Child Development and Social Security Department, Govt. of Jharkhand; Mr. Arun Kumar Rai, Member Secretary, Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) on Legal Framework for Child Protection; Smt. Sampat Meena, I.P.S, Inspector General of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Govt. of Jharkhand; Mr. Rajesh Singh I.A.S. Additional Secretary, State Integrated Child Protection Society, Government of Jharkhand and Mr. Satish Chandra – State Disability Commissioner, Govt. of Jharkhand.

Mr. Mikhael Pradhan, Head, Advocacy, World Vision India said, “The magnitude of sexual violence against children is unknown. Yet there is not enough conversation and action taken on this issue. Through this campaign, we aim to encourage every Indian to provide a safe environment for children.”

Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand, said "Responsibility for prevention of Child Sexual abuse is shared by parents, schools, communities, government and the broader society. It is important to sensitise children on sexual abuse so that they can be vigilant through age appropriate messages. Children should also be guided to contact the child help line 1098 during crisis. This campaign launched by World Vision India will reach across the rural and urban India and help in ensuring safe environment for our children.”

The launch included a panel discussion on ‘Ending Child Sexual Abuse in India’. The panelists included Mr. Mahadev Hansda, General Manager, Save the Children; Mr. Sanjay Mishra, Director, Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS)/ATSEC Jharkhand; Mr. Anup Hore, State Manager, Plan India, Jharkhand; Ms. Priti Srivastav, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Jharkhand and Mr. Rajbhusan, State Coordinator, Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation, Jharkhand. The panel was moderated by Mikhael Pradhan, Head, Advocacy, World Vision India.

The campaign aims to impact 10 million children (0 – 18 years) in 200 districts and 7000 communities of 25 states and 1 Union Territory. Through the campaign, World Vision India will create awareness on child sexual abuse and exploitation and work with different stakeholders including government departments, educational institutions, community representatives and children. As part of the 5 year campaign, children will be given training on personal safety education, engage faith communities to advocate for the protection of children, workshops and consultations will be conducted in 25 states and 1 union territory. Training programs on POCSO Act, and legislations/ policies on child protection will be conducted for uniform law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to child abuse incidents in their jurisdictions. Different activities and events will be conducted to actively engage the public.

For more information, please contact:
Impuri, World Vision India, +91 880060557, impuri_ngayawon@wvi.org