Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in coordination with Social Welfare Department Jammu today organized awareness programmes under POCSO Act at Government Residential School for blinds and Louis Braille Memorial Residential school for sightless girls at Janipur Jammu.During the camp, the children were made aware about different provisions of the Act which deals with their protection from sexual offences while safeguarding the interests of the child at every stage of the judicial process through incorporation of child friendly mechanisms for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and speedy trial of offences through the designated special courts.Highlighting General Principles for use of professionals and experts assistance for the child at pre-trial and post-trial stages, the speakers elaborately deliberated upon services available through Medical and Health Professionals, role of psychologists, police, mental health Experts and social workers. The experts and officers present on the occasion also shared their views regarding various child friendly provisions available in the Act.It is pertinent to mention that the POCSO Act is gaining significance due to the current scenario of offences being committed on children. The nature of sexual abuse and the shame that the child victims feels hinders the reporting of the offences under the Act. This is why the law provides for mandatory reporting and proper awareness of the POCSO Act.Field Publicity Officer Jammu Vipan Bhagat, District Social Welfare Officer, Ajay Salaan, Legal and other officers from District Child Protection unit of ICPS of Social welfare and Information department were present on the occasion.