HELPING SURVIVORS HEAL FROM THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE.

 

37 religious women and men and priests participated in a training workshop on “Protection of Minors from Sexual Abuse (POCSO” and “Helping Survivors to Heal from the Effects of Sexual Abuse.”

Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab, facilitated this five-day workshop at the National Vocation Service Centre, Pune. Participants were doing a 9-month Diploma Course on Religious and Priestly Formation and Counselling Skills.

This Training  Workshop was held from October 13-17, 2025.

Feedback from the participants showed that all found the workshop immensely useful.  24 of them gave perfect 10 out of 10 on Usefulness of the Workshop for them personally. Four gave a 9. Six gave an 8 and 3 gave a 7.

Some typical comments:

“I would like to give a 10- “Immensely Useful” because this is the first time I got detailed awareness about POCSO Act 2012, and related topics., especially Trauma of Sexual Abuse and its Effects, and Approaches to Healing.” F 28

“I learned many things I was ignorant about, such as professional boundaries, the importance of human formation.” M. 37

“I was ignorant about many things. Through this class I am enriched and enlightened.” F. 35

“It gave me skills and means to support those who have been abused.” M. 43

“The programme was very useful. I really liked it so much.” F. 33

 “Through this class I came to know many aspects of trauma, how sexual abuse can affect the person. I learned about POCSO.” M. 29

“When I came here I was deeply troubled because many of my candidates had been sexually abused. I had many doubts about how to help them. Now my doubts are cleared and I feel confident.” F. 40

“The relevant studies, videos, detailed explanation by the facilitator were very apt. It provided clarity on the topic. I feel it my privilege that such a scholar taught me this subject. I am happy to be a student of such an Enlighted person. ” M. 40