PANAJI
To strengthen the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) on Tuesday said it had conducted a training programme for police officers on child-friendly policing, evidence collection and handling of victims under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The two-part capacity-building and sensitisation programme was organised jointly by the GSCPCR, Goa Police, the Directorate of Prosecution and SCAN Goa’s Victim Assistance Unit (VAU), with the aim of improving the quality of investigations and conviction rates.
The training focused on helping police officers better understand the POCSO Act, follow child-friendly procedures, handle victims in a trauma-sensitive manner, collect scientific evidence and maintain proper documentation. It also aimed to improve coordination among agencies involved in child protection.
“The key objective of the programme was to improve the quality of investigations in child sexual offence cases, thereby supporting stronger prosecution and higher conviction rates. The training also focused on strengthening coordination between police, prosecution, victim support services and other child protection agencies to ensure a more effective response to offences against children,” the GSCPCR said.
