As a child counsellor, certain moments linger — a hesitant voice, tear-filled eyes, or heavy silence. These often mark the beginning of a painful journey, one that demands truth, protection, and healing. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is more than just legislation; for counsellors, it is a crucial tool that enables us to support vulnerable children with both courage and clarity.
- Creating a Safe Space
Children who have experienced abuse frequently carry deep-seated fear, guilt, and confusion. Disclosures are rarely straightforward. A core duty of the counsellor is to establish a space of emotional safety — free of judgment, pressure or disbelief. In this environment, children begin to trust, share, and take the first steps toward healing. - Mandatory Reporting
POCSO makes it legally binding for all adults, including mental health professionals, to report any known or suspected cases of child sexual abuse. This obligation can lead to emotional conflicts, especially when a child pleads for confidentiality. In such moments, counsellors must gently explain the legal mandate in an age-appropriate way, ensuring the child feels supported throughout the process. Balancing empathy with responsibility becomes critical. - Working with the Legal System
Legal procedures can be daunting for children. As counsellors, we serve as intermediaries — guiding the child and their family through complex legal systems. Whether it’s preparing them for court, being present during questioning, or advocating for child-friendly procedures like in-camera trials, we ensure that the child’s emotional well-being is prioritized. - Supporting Recovery
True healing extends beyond legal verdicts. Using trauma-informed approaches such as play therapy, art, storytelling and cognitive-behavioral methods, we help children process their experiences and regain control. Support also extends to caregivers, who often struggle to cope. Educating and guiding them is essential in rebuilding the trust and emotional safety the child needs.
Challenges in Practice
While POCSO is a powerful law, its implementation faces hurdles:
- Delayed reporting due to fear, shame or familial pressure.
- Limited awareness among adults about signs of abuse and legal obligations.
- Systemic delays that can retraumatize children through legal procedures.
Conclusion
Police stations and courtrooms are not places for children, yet many must face them. Our role is to support, and remind each child that the abuse was never their fault. Every child deserves not only justice but the chance to believe in themselves, and in the world again.
.jpg)
