A seminar “Breaking the Silence” was organized by Manoscope, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Calcutta North East, Rotary District 3...
A seminar “Breaking the Silence” was organized by Manoscope, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Calcutta North East, Rotary District 3291, on February 22 at Infinity Quest. The event aimed to raise awareness about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, focusing on legal frameworks, psychological impacts, and preventive measures to safeguard children from abuse.
The seminar brought together eminent psychiatrists, psychologists, legal experts, educators, and social activists, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to tackling child sexual abuse.
• To
educate participants on the legal provisions and implications of the POCSO Act.
• To
highlight the psychological and medical consequences of child sexual abuse.
• To
equip educators, parents, and professionals with the tools to identify,
prevent, and respond to abuse cases.
• To
emphasize the collaborative role of mental health professionals, legal experts,
and educators in supporting survivors.
•
Abhishek Ganguli, eminent film director, who emphasized the role of media in
raising awareness on child protection.
• Dr.
Sanjay Garg, an eminent psychiatrist, who discussed the long-term psychological
impact of abuse and the need for early intervention and counseling.
• Dr.
Swadha Pandey & Dr. Mousumi Dey Banerjee, renowned gynecologists, who
elaborated on the medical consequences of abuse and the importance of immediate
healthcare intervention.
•
Lawyers Puja Nandi, Gautam Roy, Mith Mukherjee (Kolkata High Court), and Pronay
Ghosh, who provided crucial insights into the legal rights of survivors,
challenges in prosecution, and ways to seek justice.
•
Psychologists Sohini Mukherjee & Ipsita Banik, who focused on
trauma-informed care and rehabilitation strategies for survivors.
•
Educators Saheli Roy & Barna Roy, who emphasized the role of teachers in
identifying abuse and creating a safe school environment.
The ceremonial lighting of the lamp was led by esteemed guests, symbolizing the commitment to justice and child protection.
The seminar also included cultural performances to communicate the emotional and societal aspects of child protection.
The seminar concluded with the felicitation of key speakers and contributors, including:
•
Abhishek Ganguli, in recognition of their efforts in advocating for child
rights and protection.
•
Educators, psychologists, and legal professionals, who were acknowledged for
their dedicated efforts in combating child abuse.
•
Debjani Sarkar, Principal of Gokhale Memorial Girls’ School, was also
recognized for her contributions to education and child safety.
Certificates were distributed to participants as a token of appreciation for their involvement in the event.
By fostering multi-sectoral engagement, the seminar reinforced the belief that preventing child abuse is a shared responsibility. The discussions and awareness initiatives initiated during the event are expected to create long-term ripple effects in child safety policies, legal advocacy, and mental health support for survivors.
From now on, Manoscope will reach schools and integrate mental health awareness programmes into Montessori, primary, middle school, and high school curricula. This initiative aims to ensure that children grow up in a safe, informed, and emotionally supportive environment. The seminar served as a discussion forum and a call to action, encouraging stronger community involvement and policy reforms to protect children from abuse.
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