Role of Teachers in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences

Abstract

Teachers are as good as the guardians of the children in school. They are both morally and officially bound to protect children from unpleasant situations. Sometimes children may become a victim of sexual assault, violence, exploitation and abuse. They are innocent. They cannot protect themselves against such an offence. Teachers can protect them from such an assault.  India has enacted a very harsh law such as POSCO but at the ground level teachers can play a very effective role. UNICEF with various member countries is also striving to strengthen child protection systems and to promote positive social norms in all contexts to prevent as well as respond to violence, exploitation and abuse directed at children. Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has the provisions for the protection of children in and out of home. In the context of India the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 was formulated in order to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 received the President’s assent on 19th June 2012. It was notified in the Gazette of India on 20th June, 2012. Sexual assault is mainly aimed at the perpetrator’s gratification against a victim. Sexual abuse covers the range of direct and indirect assaults and the means of facilitation includes stalking, internet offences among other things. Teachers who are sincere and dutiful can sense the evil designs of the offender. They can take suitable initiatives including intimating higher authorities, parents and law enforcing authorities.