The Department of Psychology, Dempo Charities Trust’s, Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar – Goa in association with MUKTHA, Bangalore (A Foundation committed to prevent abuse and promote mental health),  organized a state level workshop on “Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse: Breaking the Silence, Promoting Healing” on 10^th March 2018. The workshop was supported by the Goa State AIDS Control Society.

Child sexual abuse is a significant worldwide problem and according to the World Health Organization (2002) it is a major public health issue that affects thousands of children and young teens every year. If children are not taught the sort of touch that is unacceptable, they will always be easy prey, especially when the molester is a trusted person.Childhood is simply denied to these children and they grow up as individuals with deep scars.

The workshop began at 10 am with the inaugural function that was attended by the Principal, Vice Principals, Faculty members of Dhempe College, Officials of Goa State AIDS Control Society, and the participants. The Principal, Dr. Vrinda Borker delivered the welcome address. Dr. Mukta Karamadi, Vice Principal, Head of Dept of Psychology and the convenor of the workshop introduced the resource person and highlighted the objectives of the workshop. Mrs. Pratisha Salgaonkar proposed the vote of thanks. The program was compeered by Dr.Joslyn Henriques.  The main focus of this workshop was on primary prevention of child sexual abuse and to sensitize public on this problem and create awareness among students, teachers, and counsellors. The resource person for the workshop was Mrs. Ashwini N.V., Founder and Director of MUKTHA Foundation. She elaborated on possible warning signs of child sexual abuse, different types of abusers, and preceding factors for CSA.  Mrs. Sunita Arudra and Dr. Uma Sadekar conducted one session on HIV and AIDS highlighting the causes and treatment.  The workshop received a very good response with 86 participants from various colleges and Non-Governmental Organizations and the same was well received by them. As a part of the outreach program of Department of Psychology, a workshop was also conducted for the students in Dr. K.B. Hedgewar High School, Cujira Educational Complex, Cujira on 9^th March 2018.