Arpan launches #ProtectedByPOCSO to fight child sexual abuse

Addressing the stark reality that 50% of children in India have experienced sexual abuse (MWCD 2007) and 182 new cases are reported daily (NCRB 2022), Arpan, India’s largest NGO dedicated to preventing Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), has launched the bold #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign.

This pioneering initiative aims to confront child sexual offenders directly while spreading awareness about the legal and social consequences of such actions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012.

The campaign’s core message, "Child Sexual Abuse is a criminal offense – Stop Now or Face the Consequences," serves as a stern warning to potential offenders while educating the public about what constitutes CSA. Alarming statistics from NCRB 2022 reveal that 42% of crimes against children are sexual offenses, underlining the urgency of Arpan’s mission to deter abuse and hold offenders accountable.

Pooja Taparia, Founder and CEO of Arpan, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating: “We must act to prevent abuse and protect our children. This campaign sends a clear message to offenders: your actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished. The POCSO Act ensures severe consequences, reinforcing our children’s right to grow up safely.”

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, Arpan’s Goodwill Ambassador, voiced her support, saying: “Children deserve a life free from fear. I stand with Arpan and the #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign to ensure that those who exploit children’s trust face the full weight of the law.”

A Multi-Channel Awareness Drive

Launched during Child Safety Week (14th–20th November), the campaign has a comprehensive public outreach strategy:

• Transportation Hubs: Child safety messages are prominently displayed across Maha Mumbai Metro, public buses in Mumbai and Thane, and auto-rickshaws throughout the city.
• Billboards and Trains: Strategic placements in Vile Parle, Bandra, and on the Western Line trains amplify the message.
• Cinema and OTT Platforms: A compelling campaign film is showcased in PVR theaters across Mumbai and on leading OTT platforms like Jio Cinema, Zee5, and MX Player.
• Schools: Institutions in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh are displaying school uniforms at their gates with the message: “All children in India are #ProtectedByPOCSO. Stop Right Now or Get Caught.”

Arpan’s partnership with local authorities, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), enhances the campaign’s reach.

Together, we can work to eradicate child sexual abuse and build a safer future for India’s children.