Guwahati, July 26: In a landmark move to strengthen support systems for child survivors of sexual violence, UTSAH, one of Assam’s leading child rights organisations, has launched a dedicated POCSO Centre in Guwahati. The Centre is designed to provide trauma-informed psychosocial and legal support to children affected by sexual offences, to ensure justice and holistic rehabilitation.
The Centre was formally inaugurated by Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who praised UTSAH’s tireless work in the field of child protection. “Miguel Das and his team at UTSAH have been at the forefront of supporting child victims. This POCSO Centre is a crucial addition to their mission of ensuring justice and dignity for children,” Mahanta said during the ceremony.
Also present at the event was Padmapani Bora, Commissioner and Secretary, Information & Public Relations Department, Assam, who underscored the critical role of civil society in combating child abuse. “Very few are willing to work on such a sensitive and difficult issue. This Centre is a lifeline for children who need support the most,” he noted.
The newly launched POCSO Centre will offer trauma-informed counselling, 24×7 crisis intervention, legal aid, case support and assistance during investigation and trial.
The Centre will work in close coordination with Assam Police, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), Special POCSO Courts, and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) to ensure a child-friendly justice delivery system.
UTSAH has been actively working since 2013, supporting over 400 child survivors of sexual abuse. With the new Centre, the organisation aims to deepen its impact by institutionalising timely, sensitive, and survivor-centric services.
This initiative is supported by TGF, Dasra, Payal Chadda, and the Lioness Club Umang, and is part of UTSAH’s mandate as an empanelled Support Person Organisation under Rule 4(8) of the POCSO Rules.
The inauguration drew the participation of several senior Assam Police officials, members of the state’s child protection ecosystem, and long-time supporters of UTSAH—all united in their commitment to building a safer, more responsive environment for child victims.
The POCSO Centre marks a significant milestone in Assam’s child protection framework, serving as a much-needed intervention to help young survivors navigate the path to justice and healing.
