AWARENESS ABOUT POCSO ACT AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS IN

TRIVANDRUM

PROJECT REPORT

Project Report Submitted to the University Of Kerala, in partial fulfilment for the
award of degree in BSW, 2018 - 2021

Submitted By

THANZEER .S.S

REGISTER NO: 31518807037

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Mr Ashik shaji

Assistant professor

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

NATIONAL COLLEGE,

MANACAUD P.O,

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695009

NATIONAL COLLEGE,
 MANACAUD P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695009

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project entitled "AWARENESS ABOUT POCSO ACT AMONG
SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TRIVANDRUM” is the bonafide work done by THANZEER S
S REG No: 31518807037 under my guidance and supervision. The project report prepared
by him is submitted to the University of Kerala in Partial fulfilment for the award of BSW
Degree,2018 – 2021 and that the same has not been published elsewhere

Mr. Ashik Shaji

Assistant Professor

Internal Guide

NS Ramesh Chandran

Assistant Professor & HOD of Social Work

Dr. S.A Shajahan

Principal
 DECLARATION

I, THANZEER S S, REG No: 31518807037 hereby declare that the project report entitled
"AWARENESS ABOUT POCSO ACT AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS IN
TRIVANDRUM" submitted to the University of Kerala is the original and bonafide work
done by me under the supervision of Mr.Ashik Shaji, Assistant Professor Department of
Social Work, National College towards partial fulfilment of requirement of BSW Degree ,
2018 – 2021.

THANZEER S S

REG No: 31518807037

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to a number of people who have made this project
work possible. First and foremost, I have to thank my Project Guide, ASHIK SHAJI
Assistant Professor for his untiring guidance, support and help extended throughout this
research work. Without his assistance and dedicated involvement, this project work would
have never been accomplished.

I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Mr N.S.Ramesh Chandran, Head of the
Department of Social WorK and other Faculty members who inspired and mentored me at
each and every stage. The valuable insights offered by them did keep me moving undeterred.
I must also thank my friends and … all those helped you in preparing your project for
assisting me sincerely in my efforts to complete the project without a hitch. I am highly
indebted to the Principal of our College, Dr. S.A Shajahan, for the great support lent to us in
our research pursuit.

Most importantly, none of this would have happened without the motivation of my parents
and family. This project work stands as a testament to my family’s unconditional love and
encouragement.

Last but not the least I would like to thank the Almighty God, who has been with me
throughout this academic journey, and helped me make it through to this day by showering
his blessings.
 A. TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PARTICULARS PAGE NUMBER

I INTRODUCTION

II REVIEW OF

LITERATURE

III RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY

IV ANALYSIS AND

INTERPRETATION

V FINDINGS,

SUGGESTIONS AND

CONCLUSIONS
 LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Particulars Page No.

4.1 AGE WISE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS

4.2 CLASSWISE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS

4.4 NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS

4.5 PROBLEMS FACED BY CHILDRENS FROM

SOCIETY/PUBLIC

4.7 AWARENESS ABOUT THR AFTER EFFECTS OF

SEXUAL ABUSE

4.12 AWARENESS ABOUT POCSO ACT

4.15 STUDENTS AWARENESS ABOUT SEX EDUCATION

4.17 SAFETY LAWS AND PROTECTION PROVIDED BY

INDIAN CONSTITUTION

FOR KEEPING CHILD RIGHTS AND BUILDING CHILD

4.19 FRIENDLY NATION

LIST OF FIGURES
Table No. Particulars Page No.

4.3 TYPE OF FAMILY

4.6 AWARENESS ABOUT SEXUAL ABUSE

4.8 AWARENESS ABOUT THE PUNISHMENTS OF THE

ABUSERS

4.9 REACTION IF SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR EXPERIENCED

FROM STRANGERS

4.11 CONVENIENT PERSONS FOR SHARING VICTIMISED

DETAILS AT FIRST

4.13 JUDICIAL LAWS HELPFUL FOR ENSURING CHILDREN

SAFETY

4.14 SOURCE OF NEWS ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSES

4.16 RECEIVES AWARENESSS CLASESS ABOUT CHILD

SEXUAL ABUSE AND PROBLEM OF CHILDREN

4.18 FREE COUNCELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION BY

SCHOOL

4.20 NEED OF THE PUBLIC SUPPORT ESSENTIAL FOR

PREVENTING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSES

ABSTRACT
Sexual abuse are one of the vital problem that faced by many of the children in our society
and nowadays the number of sexual abuses against children are increasing day by day and it
is very essential for the children to be alert and aware about their rights against such abuses.
The study aims to understand about the awareness of POCSO Act among the school students
of Thiruvananthapuram. The emerging POCSO related cases show a wide scope of my study.
A probability sampling was done on 45 students of several schools through and Interview
schedule on the subjects of the study

The study is aimed to understand about the awareness about child sexual abuses among the
school students. The study also focuses on knowing the source of information where they
receive such information. The study helps to know the awareness about sex education among
children.
 CHAPTER - I

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Be the change that you wish to see in the world

- Mahatma gandhi
 Children are regarded as precious gifts from God. It is rather curious and
unfortunate that these same children are subjected to abuses and neglect. Child abuse or child
maltreatment is physical,sexual, or psychological maltreatment or neglect of a child or
children, especially by a parent or other caregiver. Ciid abuse may include any act or failure
to act by a parent or other caregiver that results in actual or potential harm to a child, and can
occur in a child's home, or in the organizations , schools or communities the child interacts
With.

According to UNICEF violence against children can be "physical and mental abuse and
injury, neglect or negligent treatment, exploitation and sexual abuse. Violence may take place
in homes, schools, orphanages, residential care facilities , on the streets, in the workplace , In
prisons and in places of detention ." Such violence can affect the normal development of a
child impairing their mental physical and social being. In extreme cases abuse of a child can
result in death. Child abuse has many forms: physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and
exploitation. Any of these that are potentially or actually harmful to a child's health, survival,
dignity and development are abuse. This definition is derived from the W.H.O

Nowadays the sexual abuse against children are increasing day by day . In the world,
one out of every four gril and one out of every six boy children are sexually abused every
minute. Nearly Nearly 70 percentages of all reported sexual assaults occur to children ages 17
and under the median age for reported child abuse is nine years old. More than 90 percentage
of abusers are people children know, love and trust, although 85 percentage of child abuse
victims never report their abuse.53% of children in lndia face some form of child sexual
abuse. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, thc cases of rape and murder ot
children increase every year. The growing complexities of life and the changed social
economic conditions have exposed the children to new and different forms of abuse. Many
of these children are subjected to various exploitations such as rape, corporal inflictions,
trafficking drug abuse, Violence; forced prostitution etc. Psychological abuses affect the
Children ln a similar way. Documental data shows psychological abuses resulting in
development delays,memories lapses, inability to control anxiety and violent outbursts. These
children are more likely to not become juvenile delinquents. Recent reports on child victims
(minor) have indicated a gradual growth of juvenile criminals in the country in kerala, most
of the pocso cases were founded in Nedumangad (205) and fewer cases were reported in
Pathanamthitta (57).
 Sexual effects such as disturbances of desire,arousal and orgasm may result
from the association between sexual activity,violation and pain. Survivors are more likely to
have had 50 or more intercourse partners, have had a sexually transmitted infection, and
engage in risk taking behaviours that place them at risk of contracting human
immunodeficiency virus .early adolescent or unintended pregnancy and prostitution are
associated with sexual abuse.Gynaecologic problems ,including chronic pelvic
pain,dyspareunia,vaginismus,and nonspecific vagintis,are common diagnoses among
survivors may be less likely to have regular pap tests and may seek little or no prenatal care.
Interpersonal effects such as adults survivors of sexual abuse may be less skilled at self-
protection. They are more apt to accept being victimized by others. This tendency to
victimized repeatedly may be the result of general vulnerability in dangerous situation and
exploitation by untrustworthy people etc. long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse are
varied,complex,and often devasting. Many obstetrician gynaecologists knowingly or
unknowingly provide care to abuse survivors and should screen all women for a history of
such abuse. Depression,anxiety,and anger are the most commonly reported emotional
responses to childhood sexual abuse. Gynaecological problems, including chronic pelvic pain,
dyspareunia, vaginismus, nonspecific vaginitis, and gastrointestinal disorders are common
diagnoses among survivors. Survivors may be less likely to have regular pap tests may seek
little or no prenatal care. Obstetrician-gynaecologists can offer support to abuse survivors by
giving them empowering messages, counselling referrals, and empathic care during sensitive
examination

Four children, on an average, are sexually abused in kerala every day while the
number of sexual offences against children has doubled in the past three years. The child who
was abused sexually had to face some crucial problems in their long term life. More extreme
symptoms can be associated with abuse onset at an early age, extended or frequent
abuse,incest by a parent, or use of force. Common life events, like death, birth, marriager, or
divorce may trigger the return of symptoms for a childhood sexual abuse survivor. The
primary after-effects of childhood sexual abuse include emotional reaction such as fear,
shame, humiliation, guilt, and self-blame are common and lead to depression and anxiety.
Experience intrusive or recurring thoughts of the abuse as well as nightmares or flashbacks.
Distorted self-perceptions develop a believe that they caused the sexual abuse and that they
deserve it. These beliefs may result in a self- destructive relationship. Physical effects such as
chronic and diffuse pain, especially abdominal or pelvic pain, lower pain threshold, anxiety
and depression, self - neglect , and eating disorders have been attributed to childhood sexual
abuse. Adults abused as children are four to five times more likely to have abused alcohol and
illicit drugs. They are also twice as likely to smoke, be physically inactive, and be severely
obese.

Female who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse often present with a wide
array of symptoms. Frequently,the underlying cause of these symptoms is unrecognized by
both the physician and patient. The obstetrician - gynaecologist should have the knowledge to
screen for childhood sexual abuse, diagnose disorder that are a result of abuse, provide
support with interventions. Adult childhood sexual abuse survivors disappropriately use
health care services are incur greater health care costs compared with adults who did not
experience abuse.

Reported child sexual abuse has risen 60% in last four years, at the same time the
number of arrest for child sexual abuse has fallan by 20%. With 224 cases, Ernakulam tops
the number of child sexual abuse cases recorded in Kerala over the first four months of 2017.
Among this, Ernakulam rural district recorded 153 cases, while 138b persons were taken into
custody in this connection. Meanwhile, the city police arrested about 70 persons in
connection with child sexual abuse cases during the same period. In terms of numbers, the
district is closely followed by Malappuram with 214 cases while Thrissur stands third with
186 cases. A yearonyear comparison of official data suggests a sharp rise in child sexual
abuse cases reported from Ernakulam and Kerala as a whole this year. In 2016, the total
number of cases registered under the protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012
in the district was 241. The average age of victims involved in sexual abuse cases as come
down to 10-11 years from1516 years reported a few years back. The police attribute the spurt
in crime cases being reported to proactive policing coupled with increased awareness in
society about sex crimes. They,howere, add that the actual number of offences could be a lot
higher as several children do not come forward because they are either frightened or
embarrassed, or fail to realise that they have been abused.

Highlights of POCSO Cases 2017(Kerala)

• March 3:11 year-old girl, a student of class VI, was raped and found pregnant, 12-year
oldboy, a student of class VII apprehended the victim was three-month pregnant when the
case was reported.
• July 5:17 year old girl found pregnant after she was raped by her neighbour. The victim
was one-and-a half-month pregnant when the incident came to light. • September 24:12 year
old boy was several times crucially raped by his neighbour (18years)

• September 26:17 year old girl was found three month pregnant after she was allegedly
raped by a 19 year old youth.

The Need for Children's Right Awareness

The awareness towards the children's right is important for the children for them to know the
things that they deserve to get as children. When children are helped to be knowledgeable,
and self aware about their rights, they grow up in the society with the ability to protect and
respect their rights and those of others. Knowledge of child rights is critical in the overall
development of all children. Nowadays the number of child sexual abuses against children is
increasing day by day. So it is very essential for the children to be alert and aware of their
rights towards such exploitations.

POCSO CASES 2017 (DISTRICT WISE)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 205

KOLLAM 162
 ERNAKULAM 160

KOZHIKODE 150

MALAPPURAM 123

THRISSUR 120

IDUKKI 97

PALAKKAD 97

KOTTAYAM 96

KANNUR 96

ALAPPUZHA 67

PATHANAMTHITTA 57

KASARGOD 66

WAYANAD 58

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Sexual abuse are one of the vital problem that faced by many of the children
in our society and nowadays the number of sexual abuses against children are increasing day
by day and it is very essential for the children to be alert and aware about their rights against
such abuses. One out of every four girls and one out of every six boys are sexually abused per
day and nearly 70%of all reported sexual assaults occur to children ages 17 and under 90% of
child sexual abuse victim know their abuser even though 85% of child abuse victims never
report their abusc. More than 90%of abusers are people children know, love and trust.
Thiruvananthapuram has the highest number of pending POCSO cases in the Kerala state,
despite being one of the three districts with a special court for women and children. And a
recent study has found that the majority of the victims of sexual exploitation are found among
high school students.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Sexual abuses are one of the major challenge that faced by many of the children
community in our present day society, and it is very necessary for the children to be alert and
aware of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) which really
help them to create more knowledge or awareness about their rights, laws and punishments
against child sexual abuses. And it also make them more courage and confident to react
strongly against such abuses
 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Social Work Profession and Social Realities:Response and Ripostes, jointly

organized by National of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI) says about the
"Teachers and school counsellors' awareness on POCSO Act". They say that childhood is the
first step in the journey of life where the child is in the process of crystallizing its
relationships with others through socialisation. Children in this stage should be nurtured with
care and protection in an overall safe environment that is conducive to their growth. There are
several threats to the safety and protection of the child that can in turn seriouslyharm their
growth and development.chilod sexual abuse is a heinous crime using children with force,
pressure, threat or persuasion for sexual stimulation or satisfaction. a child is not always able
to fully comprehend the trauma they go through and are often unable to express appropriate
vocabulary. Child sexual abuse jeopardises a child's growth and development. Children are
abused by family members, neighbours, strangers, relatives, at school, in residential facilities
for orphans and other at-risk children. So, school teachers and counsellors must directly
involved in the development of children by making the students proper aware about child
sexual abuse and POCSO Act.

"FORENSIC STUDY ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE UNDER POCSO ACT", (July

2016), says that children are the god's gift to humanity but among them are most vulnerable
sections in any society. Their sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes imaginable.
Child Sexual assault is a serious, pervasive social issue POCSO act is formulated to
effectively address the heinous crimes of sexual abuse and sexual exploitations of children
Every day, Forensic science Laboratories receives 5 to 6 cases of child sexual abuse. So
objective of this study is to bring out some shocking facts and its main finding in relation with
sexual abuse which are- child sexual abuse cases under IPC 376,377,354 POCSO act 2012
were reported by 48% children. Among them, 43% were male child and 54% were female
child., 24% of child respondents faced severe forms of sexual abuse, 19% bad been sexually
assaulted and 57% reported other forms of sexual abuse. This paper also represents a humble
attempt to briefly highlight the awareness of POCSO act. Children who don't tell anyone
about being sexually abused often come from families that have rigid gender roles and other
similar characteristics, according to a U of T researcher.

After conducting interviews with 38 adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Professor
Ramona Alagstia of social work identified several recurrent themes. She found that survivors
(who did not initially disclose their abuse) often came from families where fathers were head
of the household and mothers had little power. There was often family violetice (spousal
abuse and other forms of child abuse) and a lack of communication Social isolation elso
prevailed: the child or the family as a whole did not fit into their environment and did not
have social supports, leaving the child feeling that he or she had no one safe to tel.

Dave Pelzer ``Article on "CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON POCSO ACT".

(Posted on November 1, 2016 by law update blog) says about the CRITICAL ANALYSIS
ON POCSO ACT. According to him, 'Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun, not
living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul. He says that, the crime involving sexual
offences have risen to a dramatic level since the last two decades. Not only sexual offences
are more brutal not gender biased but also have become life threatening. As much as the fact
prevails that such shameful crimes see no gender or age the truth still remains that the
children are more vulnerable to such crime because of the obvious reason that they can stand
for themselves most of the times they are threatened and sometimes they are also unable to
understand what havoc has been done to them. The little innocent children can only feel the
pain of the mishappening leaving a scar over the soul and body forever. Recognizing the
vulnerability of children, short of provisions of law for the sexual crime against children and
realizing the trauma with which the society has to suffer if such law is not worked out the
respected parliament initiated the process in 2008, thereafter POCSO became a very
debatable topic among ministries, state govt., civil society and experts POCSO Act was
passed by Rajya Sabha on 10th may, 2012 thereafter passed by Lok Sabha on 22nd may 2012
it received the president's assent on 19th June 2012 and came into effect on 14th November
2012

THE HINDU, (11th October 2017), The Supreme Court on Wednesday held that
a man will be punished for rape if he is found to be guilty of having sexual intercourse with
his minor wife With this verdict, the Supreme Court has ended the disparity between this
exception to Section 375, which allows a husband to have sexual relationship with his 15-year
old wife, and the definition of child in recent laws such as the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences Act, 2012, which includes any person below the age of 18

The Indian Express , (7th August 2017). There were 221 cases registered by U.T
Police under POCSO Act. Police say that many cases go unreported, while a total of 58 cases
were registered. Under the POCSO Act last year, 81 cases were registered in 2016 as many as
62 cases were registered in 2015.

THE HINDU, (26th July 2017). 224 cases reported from Ernakulam in the first
four months of 2017Last week, the City police arrested a 27-year-old from Eloor on charges
of sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl. The accused, identified as Jaison, allegedly abused the
victim, a school student, on several occasions after offering to marry her. The abuse came to
light when the victim revealed the incident to her parents after quarrelling with the accused.
The episode, according to officers of the Kochi City police, is the latest in a string of sex
crimes, which have been on a steady rise in the district over the past couple of years. The
high-decibel campaigns at various levels and strict enforcement notwithstanding, there appear
to be no major change in the way children are treated in the district, they say. With 224 cases,
Ernakulam tops the number of child sex abuse cases recorded in Kerala over the first four
months of 2017. Among this, Ernakulam Rural district recorded 153 cases, while 138 persons
were taken into custody in this connection

TODAY'S PAPER NATIONAL KERALA, January 21, 2018) says about

KERALA State forms Juvenile Justice Fund. The State government has given shape to a new
fund for the benefit of the children who need special care and protection. The scheme named
Juvenile Justice Fund has been formed following a demand made in the Juvenile Justice (Care
and Protection of Children) Act 2015. Singer K.S. Chitra will be the ambassador of the fund
to be inaugurated at a children's festival to be held in Thiruvananthapuram from January 22

THE HINDU (15th October 2017), A Kerala boy becomes father at 14, booked
under POCSO act. A 14-year-old boy from Kerala has become a father, after begetting a child
with a woman four years older than him Paternity tests conducted on the eighth standard
student have confirmed that he is the father of a two-month-old baby girl, police said today.
The 18-yearold girl is the boy's first cousin and there were neighbours. The girl had alleged
that she had been raped by the boy following which a case has been registered against him,
they said. However, when questioned, the boy had blamed the girl for the relationship and
hence a case has been registered against the young mother, under section 7 (Sexual Assault)
and 8 (not less than 3 years which may extend to 5 years and fine) of the Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. According to State Crime Records Bureau,
1570 crimes were registered against children in Kerala, including 520 rape cases last year till
July. Besides, 1,156 cases were registered last year under POCSO Act with Malappuram
recording highest number of cases 138, Thiruvananthapuram Rural 111, Ernakulam Rural 96,
and Kannur 86, In 2015, 1569 cases were registered under POCSO Act.

Gautam Banerjee in his book "Child and The Law" (2017) says about the UN
Convention on the rights of the child. He says that before any discussion on the legal rights of
the child, it is necessary to see what the UN Convention on the rights of the children has to
say. On 20th November 1989 the United Nations general assembly adopted the UN
Convention on the rights of the child in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the
character of the United Nations. He also proclaimed that childhood is entitled to special care
and assistance and the family in which the children grow up be given necessary protection
and assistance so that children may grow up in an atmosphere of happiness, love and
understanding

Kim Oates, in "Child Safety, Welfare and Well-being" (2015 edition) says
about fifty years of child abuse, milestones and misconceptions. According to him, child
abuse is a spectrum which covers neglect, failure to thrive, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and
emotional . These different aspects of child abuse have similarities as well as difference with
some children experiencing several types of abusc. Child abuse is important not just because
of the immediate effects on the child, which are bad enough in themselves, but also because
in many of these children these are long-lasting effects which impair their ability to function
effectively in their adult lives nod in their role as parents

Statistics Survey of Indian Government, published by The Indian Express

(2015) backed a survey of 1, 25,000 children in 13 states. Of the children interviewed, $396
said that they had been subjected to one or more forms of sexual abuse. Over 20% of those
interviewed said they were subjected to severe forms of abuse, Of those who said they were
sexually abused, 57% were boys. The study provided alarming information on child sexual
abuse. The study shows that almost 54% children reported having faced one or more forms of
sexual abuse. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Delhi reported the highest percentage of
such abuse among both boys and girls. Approximately, 22% child respondents facing severe
forms of

sexual abuse and 51%, other forms of sexual abuse. Also, out of the children respondents,
almost 5.5% reported being sexually assaulted. While, children in Assam, Bihar and Delhi
reported the highest incidents of sexual assault, children on street, children at work and
alarmingly, children in institutional care top the list. In almost half of the cases, persons were
known to the child or in a position of trust and responsibility. It was also found that most
children did not report the matter to anybody. Also girls suffered emotional abuse due to an
additional trauma of girl child neglect. Every second child reported facing emotional abuse,
with an equal percentage of both boys and girls. In an enormous 83% of the cases parents
were the abusers. Sadly, approximately 48% of the girls wished they were boys
 Sydney Moirangthem, Naveen C.Kumar,and, and, and Suresh Bada Math says
about the Child sexual abuse: issues and concerns in The Indian Journal of Medical
Research". According to them, the child sexual abuse is an under-reported offence in India,
which has reached epidemic proportion. A recent study on prevalence of sexual abuse among
adolescents in Kerala, reported that 36 per cent of boys and 35 per cent of girls had
experienced sexual abuse at some point of time. similar study conducted by the Government
of India in 17,220 children and adolescents to estimate the burden of sexual abuse revealed
shocking results and showed that every second child in the country was sexually abused,
among them, 52.94 per cent were boys and 47.06 per cent were girls. Highest sexual abuse
was reported in Assam (57.27%) followed by Delhi (41%), Andhra Pradesh (33.87%) and
Bihar (33.27%) 25exual abuse and sex trafficking remain highly prevalent and are among the
serious problems in India. In the last two decades, an increase in the prevalence of sexually
transmitted diseases has been shown in children. Children who are victims of sexual abuse
often know the perpetrator in some way. Hence, the problem of child sexual abuse needs to
be addressed through less ambiguous and more stringent punishment. The Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was formulated to effectively address the
heinous crimes of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. Legal provisions were
made through implementation of the Criminal Law (amendment) Act, 20138 which amended
the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, The Indian Evidence Act,
1972, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. This Criminal Law
(Amendment) Act 2013 also dictates punishment on stalking. voyeurism, and disrobing,
trafficking and acid attack.

Aishwarya (from Faculty of Law, The ICFAI University, and Dehradun.)

(2017)In "Breaking the silence- with the help of POCSO ACT, 2012" says that Tears and
silence are memories of many children who are sexually abused. Child sexual abuse has
become an epidemic which is spreading all over the society either higher class or, lower class
and attacking the younger ones. Pain and tissue injury can heal with the passage of time, but
psychological and medical consequences still leave scars on individual life. It reflects itself in
different forms, including physical and psychological aggression, rape and sexual abuse, and
takes place at home, at neighbourhoods, at school, at work and in legal and child protection
institutions. Abuse tends to be transmitted from one generation to the next, and the
individuals most often responsible are parents or other adult members of the household. India
is the second largest child population in the world, 42% of India's total population is below
eighteen years. Therefore the Protection of Children from Sexual Abuse Act, 2012 was
drafted. The objective of the Act is to save the children from being sexually abused and
punish and create fear in the hearts of the offenders. This act also lay guideline for police,
committee and courts, that, how they have to deal with rape victim and what procedure to be
followed.

CHAPTER III RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1. Title of the study

STUDY ON AWARENESS ABOUT POCSO ACT AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS IN

TRIVANDRUM

2. General objective

• To study the awareness of POCSO Act among the school students of Thiruvananthapuram

3. Specific objectives

1. To understand the Socio-demographic profile of the respondents.

2. To study the awareness about child sexual abuses among the school students.
3. To know the source of information where they received such information
4. To know the awareness about sex education among children.

4. Definitions Conceptual

definition

1. Children:

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines child as "a human being
below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained
earlier ''.

2. Awareness:

Dourish defined it as awareness is an understanding of the activities of others, which provides

a context for your own activity".

3. POCSO ACT (Protection Of Child from sexual offenses):

According to Ministry of Law and Justice (2012) (Legislative Department) POCSO Act has
been defined as an act to protect children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment
and pomography and provide for establishment of special courts for trial of such offences and
for matters connected there with orincidental thereto”

4. Student:

According toOxford dictionary,Student is defined as a person who is studying at a school or

college

Operational definition

1. Children are referred to as people who are below 18 years of age.

 2. Awareness refers to the state of being aware.

3. POCSO ACT is refers to a act that provide protection to all the children from sexual

harassment and pomography.

4.Student refers to someone who is studying in school, college or other educational

institution. 5. Design of research

The study will follow the descriptive research design. The study aims to find out the
awareness of the high school students (Trivandrum) on POCSO Act. So, the design is helpful
to do the study effectively and useful to get the response of the students about this act . The
purpose of the study is to identify the knowledge or awareness and need etc of the students on
POCSO Act. So, descriptive research design is very helpful for this study.

6. Universe of study

Universe of the study includes 45 students.

7. Sampling strategy

Sample design

The study selects the probability sampling. Because this design helps to do a complete list of

subjects to be studied and the size of the universe must be known. It offers a high degree of

representativeness.

8. Sample Size

For the study 4.5% of the total universe, which is 45 respondents are taken as the sample

9. Tools for data collection

Self prepared questionnaire is used for collecting data.

10. Source of study

•primary source

Primary data is collected from the selected sample of population using an interview schedule .

•secondary source

Secondary sources include books,journals,research studies and internet sources

11. Pilot study.

Researcher conducted interactions with some high school students on the topic and also
conducted an enquiry about the depth of the topic to the child protection office (DCPO)
Thiruvananthapuram and its members etc.

12. Pretest

Pretest of the tool was conducted and is found to be useful in collecting data which satisfies
the objectives.

13. Variables

•Age

•Education qualification

•Sex

•Number of family members

14. Limitations of study

• Data collection was really difficult as the covid19 pandemic situation was its peak

• It was really difficult to get an honest answer because it was really personal and some
respondents were reluctant to reveal the truth.
15. Chapterwise compilation

The entire research work runs into five chapters, as shown below

CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER II - REVIEW OF LITERATURE

CHAPTER III - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

CHAPTER IV - ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

CHAPTER IV - FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION

 CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 AGE WISE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENT

AGE GROUP NUMBER OF RESPONDENT PERCENTAGE

Age below 13 years 9 20%

Age 14 years 7 16%

Age above 15 years 29 64%

Total 45 100%

Table No: 4.1

The above table shows the age of respondents 64% of respondents

were above 15 year old. Only 16% of respondents were in the age of 14 and 20%
respondents were the age of 13 year old . Majority of the respondents belong to above the
age of 15 years old.Age variations provide reliability to the study.

4.2 CLASSWISE DISTRIBUTION OF THE RESPONDENTS

Class Number of Respondents

8th standard 9

9th standard 7

10th standard 9

11th standard 10

12th standard 10

Total 45

Table No:4.2

The study covered 7-10 students from 8th ,9th ,10th ,11th and 12th classes. Here
56% are from the 8th .9th and 10th standard and the remaining 44% are from 11 th standard and
12th standard. So this is helpful to collect valuable details related to the POCSO act and their
knowledge about the child issues and problems in society.

4.3 TYPES OF FAMILY

 TYPES OF FAMILY
Nuclear family Joint family single parent family

0%

27%

73%

Figure No:4.3

Above the table and graph shows the number of students belongs to different
family setting. 73% of the respondents belong to nuclear families and only 27% of the
respondents from joint families and there were no children belongings to single parent family.
This shows the modern concept of society. Most of the people believe nuclear family setting
is more effective and provide wonderful livelihood.

4.4 NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Number Frequency Percentage

1-3 8 18%

3-7 33 73%

Above 7 4 9%

Total 45 100%

Table No: 4.4

 Here,73% of the respondents were come from the family between 3-7 members.
18% of students were come from the family between 1-3 members. Only 9% of the students
come from above 7 members family. This shows the influence of nuclear family concept in
this scenario.

4.5 PROBLEMS FACED BY CHILDREN FROM SOCIETY/PUBLIC

Problem from public Frequency Percentage

yes 40 89%

No 5 11%

Total 45 100%

Table No: 4.5

The question shows awareness among students about the problems faced by
children from public and society. 89% of the respondents know many issues from TV,
newspaper and social media related with child. But 11% are not get awareness about these
issues. It shows the influence of media among students for providing information, news
related with the child issues. Here majority of the respondents were well aware about the
various problems that the children have to face from public.
4.6 AWARENESS ABOUT SEXUAL ABUSE

Awareness about sexual abuse

Awareness Frequency

15

30

Figure No :4.6

The figure shows the awareness about sexual abuse among students.30 of the
respondents is gets better awareness and 15 of the respondents are not. This shows the
understandings of students from their family, school and peer group about the serious
problem of sexual abuse.

4.7 AWARENESS ABOUT THE AFTER EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Awareness Frequency Percentage

Yes 14 31%

No 31 69%

Total 45 100%

Table No: 4.7

Above the table and figure shows the awareness about the after effects of sexual
abuse among school children. 69% of the respondents are well aware about the after effects
like death, health and mental problems etc. 31% are not get awareness. It shows the growth in
technology, law system, and knowledge sharing in society especially in the sexual abuse
cases.
4.8 AWARENESS ABOUT THE PUNISHMENTS OF THE ABUSE

Awareness about the punishments of the abuse

Yes No

28

72

Figure No: 4.8

It shows the knowledge by the students about the understanding of punishments for
the child sexual abusers. Here, 35 students were seriously aware about the punishments and
10 students did not get any awareness about the punishments for the abusers. This status
shows that, students need more awareness about the punishments, laws and regulations of
abusers from the school authority

4.9 REACTION IF SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR EXPERIENCED FROM STRANGERS

Reaction if sexual behaviour experienced from

strangers
React Keeping silence Sare with others Total

1.2

12

25

Figure No: 4.9

 The question is based on the reaction of children when facing a situation of
bad sexual behaviour by the people. The status shows 25 of the respondents were ready to
react at the spot without any lagging. 12 of the respondents saying they are not willing to
disclose the matter and they keep it silence. But the remaining 8 of the respondents were
ready to share the matter with others. Sharing is also a positive way of problem solving.

4.10 IDENTIFICATION OF GOOD AND BAD BEHAVIOUR

100% of the respondents are positively answered to this question. They are get
knowledge and practices from their family during childhood. This is helps to understand the
behaviour of persons both sexually and commonly.

4.11 CONVENIENT PERSONS FOR SHARING VICTIMISED DETAILS AT FIRST

Convenient persons for sharing victimised details at first

Teachers Parents Friends

16

84

Figure no-4.11

The question is about the personal opinion of the children. 38 children

were willing to share the victimised details towards their parents and 7 children were
interested to share the details with friends, and nobody is ready to share these details to their
teachers. This question raised credibility, understanding, and caring need for students when
facing a sexual offense. Parents are the comfort zone for freely expressing emotions, feelings,
details about victimised situations.

4.12 AWARENESS ABOUT POCSO ACT

Awareness Frequency Percentage

Yes 9 20%

No 36 80%

Total 45 100%

Table No: 4.12

Above the table shows the awareness among students about the POCSO
act. 80% of the respondents were not got proper awareness. But 20% of the respondents were
got better awareness about the law. POCSO act is really helpful for care and protection of the
children from any sexual offences and also ensure punishments to the abusers. The act is
ensuring all round development of the children through provide better security.

4.13 JUDICIAL LAWS HELPFUL FOR ENSURING CHILDREN SAFETY

JUDICIAL LAWS HELPFUL FOR ENSURING CHILDREN SAFETY

Yes No

Figure No: 4.13

Above the table raise the question for understanding the opinion of
respondents about Govt. laws and judicial system helpful for ensuring children safety. 37
students were agreed with that opinion. They say Govt. make better interventions and initiatives
to protect and care for the children from any sexual offence. But 8 students were not ready to
agree with the opinion. They say sometimes Govt. initiatives are become failure because of the
better implementation and practices in this particular field of child security.

4.14 SOURCE OF NEWS ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSES

SOURCE OF NEWS ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSES

Newspaper TV Radio Social media

33
40

27
0

Figure No: 4.14

Above the table shows the source of news and information about the child
sexual abuse. 15 students were gets news from daily papers. 12 students were gets news from
TV and 18 students from social media. But no one use radio for getting news. This shows the
reading power of children and also them using better way of social media to understand news
about child sexual abuse

4.15 STUDENTS AWARENESS ABOUT SEX EDUCATION

Knowledge Frequency Percentage

Yes 30 67%

No 15 33%

Total 45 100%

Table No: 4.15

It shows the knowledge of students about sex education. Among the

respondents 30 respondents were get better awareness and 15 were not. This shows the role of
family, schools for providing sex education during high school time. Parents were the guide
of sex education especially among girls. The need of sex education is really important at
present.

4.16 RECEIVES AWARENESS CLASSES ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND

PROBLEM OF CHILDREN

RECEIVES AWARENESS CLASSES ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL

ABUSE AND PROBLEM OF CHILDREN
Yes No

40%

60%

Figure No: 4.16

Above the table shows the awareness classes about various child
sexual abuses and problems of children receives from school. 40% of respondents receive
awareness classes about child sexual abuses and problems of children, from school and the
remaining 60% of the respondents were did not receives such awareness classes from school.
This shows the need of awareness class about different changes and situations occur in the
society in the case of children. This helps to reduce the sexual offences and problems against
them.
4.17 SAFETY LAWS AND PROTECTION PROVIDED BY INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Knowledge Frequency Percentage

Yes 34 76%

No 11 24%

Total 45 100%

Table No: 4.17

Above the table shows the awareness about the safety laws and protectivemeasures
made by Indian constitution for promoting child rights. 34 of the respondents were well aware
about the laws and protective measures and 11 of the respondents were not. Indian
constitution ensures all round development of the individuals. So child rights are the
important factor. All the people should responsible for it.

4.18 FREE COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION BY SCHOOL

FREE COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION BY SCHOOL

Yes No

45%

55%

Figure No: 4.18

 The question is discussing the facilities provided by school like free counselling, health
education for the betterment of children. 45% of the respondents were accept and get better
facilities from school. Other 55% did not get any facilities from school. Government provides
better assistance to provide such facilities in school. But the facilities are available in some
schools. These are the rights and need of children from school.

4.19 FOR KEEPING CHILD RIGHTS AND BUILDING CHILD FRIENDLY NATION
Knowledge Frequency Percentage

Yes 45 100%

No 0 0

Total 45 100%

Table No: 4.19

Above the table shows the willing and acceptance by the respondents to
work for keeping child rights and make a child friendly nation. 30 of the respondents were
really willing to work for it. They provide full support and help for promoting child rights and
laws by the judicial system. This shows the powerful factor for the need of new initiatives in
this field.
4.20 NEED OF PUBLIC SUPPORT ESSENTIAL FOR PREVENTING CHILD SEXUAL
ABUSES

NEED OF PUBLIC SUPPORT ESSENTIAL FOR PREVENTING

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSES
Yes No

20%

80%

Figure No: 4.20

The question is discussing the public support for preventing child sexual
abuse. 80% of the respondents answered public support is essential for all the activities
behind the prevention of child sexual abuse. 20% of the respondents were not ready to accept
the public support. They say lack of participation and public initiatives were the problem
behind increase the rates of crimes against child. Public support is really important for every
laws and rules.
 CHAPTER V FINDINGS , SUGGESTIONS AND
CONCLUSIONS

FINDINGS

1. Majority of the respondents were under the age above 15 years and others are the age below
13 and 14 years old.
2. 7-10 respondents were selected from each high school class(8 9 10th) and higher secondary
school classes (11,10") as part of this study.

3. Here, the majority of the respondents were from nuclear families and others are from joint
families and there were no more respondents coming from single parent families.

4. Most of the families includes 3 to 7 members and only a few families includes members from
1-3 and above 7 and 97% of parents were living with their children and remaining 3% are
living aboard as a part of their job.

5. 80% of the student response were such a manner that they facing various fear or

6. problems from the public.

7. 67% of the respondents were well aware about various sexual abuses and the remaining 33%
of them had no idea about those abuses.

8. 69% of the respondents were not properly aware about the various dangerous after effects of
those abuses and only 31% were aware about the various dangerous after effects of sexual
abuses.

9. Here, 35 respondents were well aware about the various punishments for the child sexual
abusers and 10 of them were not aware about the punishments for these abusers.

10. 25 respondents were ready to react, if they faced such situations, 12 kept silent and remaining
8 were ready to share such experience to others.

11. Respondents were able to know about the good and bad behaviour from others.

12. Here,19 of the respondents had the freedom to share whatever with their parents, especially
about sexual abuse, if they had to face such a situation and remaining 10 respondents were
ready to share about such experience with their friends.

13. 80% respondents were did not aware about Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act
(POCSO Act) and its various provisions and only 20% were aware about the POCSO Act,
even though 36 of them were aware about the various judicial laws that ensure care, safety
and protection for children and only 9 where did not aware about those judicial laws.
14. 40% of the respondents depend or receive information related to various child sexual abuses
through social media,33% were dependent newspapers,27% were dependent on TV and there
was no one dependent radio.

15. 40% of the respondents were aware about the various child sexual abuses and 60% were not
properly aware about child sexual abuses and its various dangerous after-effects, the main
reason they say that they did not get such essential information or awareness classes from
their school.

16. 76% of the respondents were aware about the various safety laws and protection that
provided by our Indian constitution while 24% of them were not aware about it.

17. 45% of the respondents received proper counselling facilities from their school and the
remaining 55% did not receive those counselling facilities

18. All the students were ready for making a child friendly nation by keeping their rights
properly.

19. Respondents need public support and according to them it is an essential factor that helps to
prevent the various sexual abuses towards them

SUGGESTIONS
1. Awareness classes in schools must be more active on the topics like child sexual
abuses and its various dangerous after effects and also make the students more aware
about the child protection laws, especially about Protection of Children from Sexual
Offences Act (POCSO Act) which mainly stands for the protection, safety and
development of children community. Because the majority of the respondents were
didn’t aware about those abuses, it's dangerous after-effects and also about their laws.
 2. Counselling facilities in schools must be promoted and improved. Because, it is a
great relief for the students to share whatever that hurt them.

3. More public support must be ensured in order to fight and prevent such abuses
towards children.

4. Also conduct awareness sections about what are the steps that the students had to take
if they and their friends had to face such an abused situation or such a bad experience.

5. Promotes a student friendly approach in every aspect of school and society.

6. Public had to be more child friendly in its every aspects, because 80% of students
facing various fear or problems from the public

CONCLUSION

The researcher conducted a study among the high school students of Vvhss
Nemom School, thiruvananthapuram: ARR Public School, Nettatam; PTM Higher Secondary
School, Maruthoorkonam, Thiruvananthapuram about the topic "Awareness about Protection
of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) among High School Students. The study
is started with the help of pilot study and also identifies the possibility of data collection.
District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Thiruvananthapuram and the other members of the
child line were really helpful during the study and made the study fruitful and successful. A
Total of 45 respondents were part of my study from 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th standards and
each class consisted of 7-10 respondents. The researcher collected data from Vvhss Nemom
School, thiruvananthapuram; ARR Public School, Nettayam; PTM Higher Secondary School.
Maruthoorkonam. The school authorities are also very supportive during data collection
especially because of the research topic and its relevance and importance towards the
student's community.

The study was really helpful to analyse the awareness about Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) among the high school students. It was
helpful to understand the awareness level of the students on child sexual abuses, its after-
effects, related laws, programs and projects, especially from a school setting. The findings of
the research is that the schools had to gave more attention towards awareness classes on sex
education, child sexual abuses and after effects and the laws and provisions related to child
sexual welfare. Schools had to improve the counselling facilities and the interventions of the
child line. Both the school and society had to develop a student friendly or child friendly
atmosphere in its every aspect in order to build up a child friendly nation.

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APPENDIX