Open House Discussion on ‘Sexual Abuse & POCSO Act’ Organised

Details

Port Blair, Mar. 4: The Directorate of Health Services, A & N Islands, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and ANIIMS, organized an Open House Discussion on ‘Sexual Abuse & POCSO Act’, with special focus on POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offence).

The session was chaired by Shri Bhawani Shankar Sharma, Additional District Judge & Judge Special Court, POCSO while Smti. Arkbati Neogi, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA was the guest of honor. The occasion was also graced by Dr. Devender Kumar, Assistant Director cum in-charge, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) at Port Blair; Dr. Pragya Sharma, Director, ANIIMS, Dr. Suja Antony, Director, Health Services and Dr. M K Saha, Medical Superintendent, G B Pant Hospital/ ANIIMS.

The session was convened by Dr. Arpita Saha, Additional Medical Superintendent, G B Pant Hospital & Nodal Officer in-charge of POCSO. The session was attended by faculty members and residents from concerned Departments of ANIIMS, along with Medical Officers, who joined both online and offline from all three districts of A&N Islands. Prosecutors specializing in handling POCSO cases and representatives from the police force also participated actively in the discussion. They shared their valuable insights, citing real-life examples and challenges encountered in dealing with such cases routinely.

The Open House Discussion served as a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas among professionals from the healthcare, legal, and law enforcement sectors. It also fostered a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding child protection, particularly in the context of sexual offences against children. The session also explored collaborative strategies for enhanced protection, timely intervention, and support for victims and their families with extreme sensitivity.

Such collaborative efforts reaffirm the commitment of A&N Administration towards ensuring safety and well-being of children and addressing the challenges posed towards prevention of child sexual abuse in the Islands.