The Punjab police has initiated a programme aimed at prevention of sexual violence in children, focusing particularly on the age group 5-12, according to an official statement released on Friday. The initiative involved 180 Punjab Police personnel undergoing training at the Punjab Police Officers Institute in Chandigarh. As per a PTI report, the initiative, named "Jagriti," was launched by the Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs Wing of the state police.
According to the statement, the comprehensive session held under as part of the initiative focused on child sexual abuse, its prevention, and provisions in law against them.
Special DGP, Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs Wing, Gurpreet Kaur Deo, emphasised on its role in creating awareness among students (classes 2 to 5), teachers, principals, and ancillary staff, including peons and drivers, as per PTI.
Deo said that the trained police personnel are now ready to serve as master trainers in their respective districts, playing a crucial role in spreading knowledge and awareness. The following week, these master trainees will train 800 women police personnel stationed at 421 'Shakti Help Desks' across the state, she added.
The help desks were set up across state police stations, and are meant exclusively for women, children, and senior citizens.
The women police personnel are going to visit all government and private schools within their station jurisdiction and plans to distribute study material on child sexual abuse in schools.
This initiative highlights the Punjab Police's dedication to ensuring the safety of children and fostering a secure environment by empowering well-informed law enforcement officials.
"This initiative underscores the Punjab Police's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children and creating a safer environment through informed and empowered law enforcement officials” the statement said.
"The Jagriti programme will be put into action by Shakti Help Desks women officials with effect from March 8, 2024 on the occasion of International Women's Day," it added.