#IStandForBachpan

Child sexual abuse is an issue impacting every second child in India. In more than 90% of such cases, sexual abuse is done by a person known to the child. More than 90% of cases go unreported. Sexual exploitation of children is a grave issue and ruins their lives.

There are children who have no knowledge about sexual abuse, and nor are they acquainted with the concept and meaning of it. Moreover, teachers lack the correct knowledge to prevent it. The magnitude of this problem requires that we all come together to arrest it.

Our Voix is a not-for-profit organisation working on prevention of child sexual abuse. We aim to amplify the voice of the children. Build the capacity of stakeholders to safeguard childhood. We conduct workshops for children, teachers, youth and parents on the prevention of abuse. Our workshops help children to identify abuse, take corrective action and speak up. It provides an environment to children where they are heard without being blamed or shamed for the same. We also build children leaders in each school where we go. These leaders spread the message to their peers

We also build online and offline resources to prevent sexual abuse. Also, it is worth mentioning that Our Voix is working on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5 and 16 as a strategic mission for community development. It initiates campaigns to engage individuals from different countries and sectors for one cause that is to make childhood safe again.

Further, the organisation has initiated campaigns such as #istandforbachpan, #learninglawswithourvoix, #musicwithourvoix, #dramawithourvoix as a method to spread awareness about the issue. The aim is to build capabilities of youth so that they can be changemakers.

Raja, who was too shy to talk about private parts and was scared of raising his voice is now our Children Champion. He teaches his peers about private parts and the importance of raising voice against sexual violence. There are many such children as Raja who now share instances of abuse.

Moreover, the teachers are now aware of warning signs of abuse and how to handle disclosure. They are now having a child abuse monitoring committee, knowledge about POCSO and child-friendly provisions. They have now dropped the approach of victim blaming. We have provided training to more than 14,500 children, 500+ workshops conducted, 40+ MCD school reached. Moreover, engaged volunteers to speak up on the issue and expanded volunteer base to London, Canada, USA and different states in India.