The ACT

Sexual Assault
Sexual Harassment Pornography

Gender neutral
Defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age
It defines different forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and
pornography
Regards the best interests and well-being of the child of paramount
importance
Prescribes stringent punishment as per the gravity of the offence
Recognizes that the Intent to commit an offence, even when unsuccessful,
needs to be penalized.

• Witness
• Victim
• Anyone
Who can
Report?
• Special Juvenile Police Unit
• the local police
Where to
Report?
• Report is ascribed an entry number and recorded
in writing
• Is entered in a book to be kept by the Police Unit
• Is read over to the informant
What to see?
• Six months imprisonment or fine or both
Failure/false
complaint

Sexual
Assault
3-5 Years
5-7 years
7 years /life
10 years/life
Sexual
Harassment
3 Years
Pornography
5-7 Years

Things
What you must Know?
 No child to be detained in the police station in the night.
 Police officer should not be in uniform.
 Recording the statement of the child at the residence of the child
or at the place of his choice.
 Medical examination of the child to be conducted in the presence
of the parent of the child or any other person in whom the child
has trust or confidence.
 In case the victim is a girl child, the medical examination shall be
conducted by a woman doctor.
 Evidence has to be recorded within 30 days.
 Frequent breaks for the child during trial.
 Child not to be called repeatedly to testify.
 No aggressive questioning.
 In-camera trial of cases

School Initiatives
• POCSO circular 2015 by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE):
• The teachers, management and all the employees are bound to
report any instance of child abuse.
• In-house induction sessions
• School in should promote harmonious environment and
inclusiveness.
• In Residential Schools training programs should be provided to the
wardens and personal care and guidance to the girl children with a
female matron for their dormitories.

• School Complaints Committee must be set up to serve as
complaints and Redressal body.
• Informal conversations