Mangaluru: Inchara Foundation, District Child Protection Unit, Mangaluru and department of Psychology, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya jointly inaugurated a three-day workshop titled ‘Psychological Interventions through Traumagenic Dynamic Framework in Child Sexual Abuse cases’ for professionals at School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya.

Preetham Rodrigues, director, Inchara Foundation (R) welcomed the gathering. The workshop was inaugurated by the chief guest Dr Rita Noronha, a social work educator and practitioner. Along with the other dignitaries, the six cutouts depicting violence and abuse were unhooked displaying the united hands of the many professionals towards undoing the effects of abuse on children.

Dr Rita Noronha expressed her happiness that an NGO, government department and a school of learning have joined together towards preparing professionals to be skilled to handle child sexual abuse cases. She addressed how sexual abuse can be a power issue, economic as well as a political issue. Stressing that sexual abuse affects young male children too, Dr Noronha wished that the workshop would help the participants to handle such cases with greater sensitivity and proficiency.

Guest of honour, Sundara Poojari, deputy director, department of Women and Child Development, Mangaluru spoke on how children who are sexually violated are far more likely to experience long term psychological problems. As professionals, we need to collaborate towards providing the right balance of protection and autonomy for our children.

Guest of honour Usman, District Child Protection Officer, DCPU, Mangaluru, resource persons Nancy Thomas and Lois J Engelbrecht from Tulir-Centre for the Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Abuse, Chennai were also present.

Associate professor Sandra S Lobo, head of department of Psychology, School of Social Work delivered the vote of thanks. Vimarsha Jain, project manager, Project Angel, Inchara Foundation compered the inaugural programme.