The Social problem :

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive and often hidden crisis in India, affecting over 53% of children before the age of 18 (MWCD, 2007). Despite landmark laws like POCSO (2012) and the PoSH Act (2013), the problem continues due to deep-rooted cultural silence, stigma, and lack of awareness, especially within families and institutions. Harmful norms like victim-blaming, misogyny, and patriarchal attitudes prevent open conversations, while poor legal literacy and inadequate redressal mechanisms discourage reporting. Children, especially girls, remain vulnerable, and youth lack the tools to intervene. Educators often aren't trained to ensure safe environments. Systemic apathy, generational denial, and insufficient education on sexuality continue to normalize abuse and silence survivors. The issue spans urban and rural areas across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories, making urgent intervention critical to break this intergenerational cycle of abuse and fear.

The Social solution:

The Rakshin Project by Sakshi is a powerful, youth-led movement to end child sexual abuse (CSA) and gender-based violence (GBV) in India. Through strategic partnerships with national ministries, Sakshi has trained over 83,000 youth as “Rakshins”, champions who recognise, prevent, and respond to abuse in their families and communities. These young leaders are transforming 40,000 colleges into hubs of awareness and action, while also reaching homes and grassroots spaces across all states and union territories. The project equips them with legal literacy, empathy, and tools to break the silence and stigma surrounding CSA. By shifting social norms, building protective ecosystems, and prioritising survivor dignity, The Rakshin Project represents a bold, scalable solution to a deeply entrenched issue. It’s not just about intervention, it’s about transformation. With your support, we can build a safer, more accountable future for millions of children across India.