Seminar cum Workshop on Child Sexual Abuse and intervention at School

The Diocesan Family Service Centre, Goa under it Dept. of Pastoral Counselling organised a one day seminar cum workshop, titled Child Sexual Abuse and intervention at School, on 21^st of May’16,  at St. John Paul II Complex, Borda- Margao.  A team of eminent speakers expounded on the theme of the seminar. The seminar was attended by 89 participants from different walks of life.

Fr. Albano Fernandes welcomed the gathering and led the group into pray, followed by Fr. K. Teles Director of DFSC, Goa escorting the dignitaries to the lighting of the lamp. Adv. J.  D’souza set the tone to the seminar and declared the seminar open. Dr. J. Puthenveed   emphasised that every school needs to have a written policy on child sexual abuse.  Adv. E. Pinho focused on the Goan scenario and enlightened the gathering on the legislations protecting children. Scribe, Ms. R. Nagarsekar shared her experience on the myths that people carry which hampers reporting of child sexual abuse cases. Post lunch, Sr. J. Arakkal offered important tips in counselling sexual abused children. Finally the seminar moved into a workshop wherein participants discussed cases and made some resolution to step out to make a difference.

The seminar cum workshop ended with concluding remarks by Dr. R. Patil and Mrs. Alinda Luis, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the seminar. Mr. Clenton Afonso anchored the event.