Arpan, a non-profit organisation working to prevent Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), has launched the seventh edition of its public awareness campaign, Child Safety Week (CSW), observed annually from 14 to 20 November. The 2025 theme, #POCSOPakadLega, aims to highlight accountability under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and address offender behaviour. Vidya Balan, Arpan’s Goodwill Ambassador, is the face and voice of this year’s campaign. Actors Shweta Kawaatra, Manav Gohil, and Anup Soni are also supporting the initiative.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB 2023), 71,641 cases of sexual crimes against children were reported in 2023, averaging 196 cases per day. Child Safety Week, initiated by Arpan in 2019, seeks to encourage public discussion and action to protect children from sexual abuse.
This year’s theme builds on the organisation’s 2024 mass media approach and the #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign, which focused on offender accountability. “POCSO Pakad Lega” delivers a direct warning to potential offenders: “Kisi bhi bacche ko galat tareeke se chhua toh #POCSOPakadLega.” The message is intended to increase awareness of the law and encourage adults to act when a child may be at risk.
Pooja Taparia, Founder and CEO of Arpan, said: “Child Sexual Abuse isn’t a taboo topic to be shrouded in silence — it’s a criminal offence, and silence only protects offenders. Through #POCSOPakadLega, we are no longer whispering about this issue; we are shouting it out loud — if you sexually abuse a child, the law will catch you. Our goal is to dismantle silence, empower adults to take action, and ensure that every offender knows that impunity is no longer an option. Every child deserves safety, and every offender deserves to be held accountable”.
Vidya Balan has voiced and featured in the campaign film. “I’m proud to stand with Arpan this Child Safety Week to send a clear message — if you sexually abuse a child, POCSO Pakad Lega. Child Sexual Abuse is punishable by law, and every child in India is Protected By POCSO. I urge all adults to speak up when they see a child in an unsafe situation and hold offenders accountable. Join me and Arpan in reminding offenders that we’re watching — POCSO Pakad Lega,” she said.
Shweta Kawaatra, Manav Gohil, and Anup Soni are also supporting the campaign.
The “POCSO Pakad Lega” concept was developed by VML. The campaign film and creative materials were produced jointly by Arpan and VML’s creative team.
