Foundation For Child Protection – Muskaan
Foundation for Child Protection-Muskaan is an NGO working to prevent Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and to help survivors since the year 2000. Muskaan is one of the oldest initiatives in Pune whose entire focus is on the critical issue of CSA, addressing it with a multidisciplinary approach.
Connecting Dots Through a 360-degree Approach to Bridge the Gap & Build a Child Friendly Environment.
Board
Board
Station
Institution
Protection Unit
Institution
Protection Unit
Hospital
Committee
District Legal
Services Authority
Service Authority
Our Impact (2017- 2023)
Total Participants (Children, Parents, Teachers, Police, NGOs, CBOs etc.)
Total Cases Handled Through Case Work, Counselling & Legal Support
Total Cases Handled at Juvenile Justice Board
Legal Cases
Our 360 Degree Approach to Combat CSA
Prevention Work
We educate children, parents, teachers, and other staff in schools to recognize early signs of CSA & stop the sexual abuse through our awareness sessions. We also provide specialized training to law enforcement personnel on POCSO and on adopting a child-centric approach while handling CSA cases.
Survivor & Family Support
Our social workers provide assistance in filing the FIR, physical and emotional support when the children appear for police and court statements, visiting the hospitals with the parents, facilitating govt. compensation & long-term support by checking in with survivors through call or home visit.
Counselling
Police Support
Legal Aid
Our In-house lawyers and dedicated law firms provide free legal assistance to CSA survivors till judgement is given. They also prepare survivors for court appearances and support public prosecutors to handle the cases.
Healing Services
Through counselling, life skills education and art-based activities, we work with CSA survivors to help them address trauma. We also counsel Children in Conflict with the Law to prevent them from recommitting offences and facilitate their successful integration back into society.
Community Intervention
We sensitize people in communities to prevent Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) through various activities such as street plays, films & puppet shows. We also spread the message on CSA through community wall paintings.
Journey Beyond Trauma
Rebuilding Hope: A Survivor’s Journey Towards Healing
Arti was a bright, ambitious student with dreams of becoming an army officer. However, her dreams were shrouded in darkness due to the dire circumstances
of her life.
Rebuilding Hope: A Survivor's Journey Towards Healing
Arti was a bright, ambitious student with dreams of becoming an army officer. However, her dreams were shrouded in darkness due to the dire circumstances of her life. Her father was an alcoholic who often unleashed his anger through domestic violence. Her mother, though aware of the turmoil, seemed powerless to intervene. In her 8th standard, Arti excelled academically, scoring 87%.
The pivotal moment came when Arti’s father forbade her from taking the final three exams of her 9th standard. The darkness in Arti’s life took a horrifying turn one fateful evening when her father, fueled by alcohol, committed rape on her. Shockingly, her mother, who was present during this heinous act, remained a silent spectator, leaving Arti to face this ordeal alone. The nightmare did not end there. Arti and her younger brother narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation when their father attempted to hang them. With the support of a close friend, Arti found the strength to report her father’s crimes at the police station and she was sent to a Child Care Institution by Child Welfare Committee.
Arti’s journey towards healing and recovery began when she was referred to our counsellor at Child Care Institution (CCI). Arti struggled to make sense of the traumatic events she had endured. The counsellor helped her navigate her negative emotions. Through multiple counselling sessions, the counsellor assisted Arti in managing her overwhelming feelings of fear, sadness, and anger. She provided a safe space for Arti to express her emotions and gradually helped her regain a sense of self-worth and confidence.
During their sessions, the counsellor sensed Arti’s unwavering passion for education and her dream of becoming an army officer. She encouraged Arti to set clear goals for her future. She collaborated with authorities to transfer Arti to a CCI where she could continue her higher studies. Arti found a nurturing environment that not only protected her from further harm but also nurtured her dreams.
The scars of her past remained, but Arti refused to let them define her.
*Name changed to maintain confidentiality.
A Story of Fearlessness.
Shotokan was a top-rated Martial Arts Academy with glowing reviews. Hundreds of students studied under Shankar Malusare (the accused). He had gained the trust and confidence of the parents, as most of the girls were being trained since they were in 2nd or 3rd standard, and had been performing at national and international level competitions.
A Story of Fearlessness...
Shotokan was a top-rated Martial Arts Academy with glowing reviews. Hundreds of students studied under Shankar Malusare (the accused). He had gained the trust and confidence of the parents, as most of the girls were being trained since they were in 2nd or 3rd standard, and had been performing at national and international level competitions. Parents thought that their daughters were in safe hands and that the coach would make them bold, brave and resilient. There were separate batches for girls and boys once the girl’s reached puberty. The coach was so strict that he did not allow the adolescent girls to talk to the boys in the class.
Priya (name changed, age 19) had joined the Martial Arts Academy when she was in 3rd standard and continued till her 12th grade. One evening as she was chatting with her friends from class, she broached the topic of the coach’s unethical behaviour. Priya narrated her gut-wrenching experience that had taken place when she was 17.
On several occasions, the coach would insist that body massages are crucial for those practicing Karate. He forcefully massaged her and touched her inappropriately on her private parts, even inserting his finger inside her. Another time, he asked her to come to his house to conduct an online class for younger students. Since they were alone, soon after the class finished, he undressed to his underwear and asked Priya to check his fitness, while undressing her to do the same. Terrified, Priya ran away, but was too scared to talk to anyone about this. Eventually, Priya confided in her mother about the horrific behaviour of the person whom she considered her mentor and guide. Priya’s mother, who worked at an NGO, had once attended FFCP Muskaan’s Awareness session on CSA and POCSO. She immediately contacted the helpline to seek help and also lodged a complaint at the police station.
Priya informed the police about her other two batch mates who were also victims of the abuse at the hands of the coach. They were summoned for further investigation of the case. FFCP Muskaan’s caseworkers and counsellors intervened and counselled the girls to help them open up and share their experience.
Shilpa (name changed, age 18), told the counsellors that the coach would insist on booking single hotel rooms when they would go out for Karate competitions. He would get close to the girls in bed at night and touch them inappropriately, berating and insulting them if they resisted his advances. One of the girls, Kirti (name changed) collapsed at a national level competition due to severe stress and trauma resulting from the abuse.
The parents of the other girls were unwilling to file a complaint out of fear and trauma. However, Muskaan counsellors encouraged them to take a stand for their daughters. FFCP- Muskaan provided counselling and legal support to the victims and their parents and also opposed the accused’s bail application. The accused is behind bars. The counselling session of the girls continued long-term till they were able to overcome the trauma. Shilpa, who had lost all confidence, was counselled and encouraged to pursue her passion in wildlife photography. She is now taking up individual projects and excelling in her career.
Kirti, who is now 24, approached Muskaan counsellors to help her with pre-marriage counselling and also gained confidence to share her experience with her fiancé. Priya and Kirti have now started their own Martial arts academy, hoping to conduct classes for girls and members of vulnerable communities!
*Name changed to maintain confidentiality.
Ramya’s Journey from Abuse to Empowerment
Ramya, a courageous young girl who endured physical, mental, and sexual abuse by her own father. Through the relentless efforts of a social worker and the support of various institutions, Ramya’s story has transformed from one of pain and fear to a narrative of resilience, recovery, and hope.
Ramya's Journey from Abuse to Empowerment
Ramya is a courageous young girl who endured physical, mental, and sexual abuse by her own father. Through the relentless efforts of a social worker and the support of various institutions, Ramya’s story has transformed from one of pain and fear to a narrative of resilience, recovery, and hope.
Ramya’s path to safety began when she confided in an FFCP social worker. The social worker sought the assistance of her friend and enabled Ramya to escape her abusive home. They filed an FIR against her father under the POCSO Act, initiating the legal process to hold him accountable. She underwent the necessary medical examinations to address the physical and mental trauma she had endured. After this, she was placed in a shelter home, where she could find solace, protection, and a supportive environment. This shelter home not only shielded her from further harm but also provided a secure and nurturing space for her to begin her journey of recovery.
The social worker provided vital assistance during the process of recording Ramya’s 164 statements, offering emotional comfort and physical support. This was instrumental in helping Ramya navigate the daunting legal proceedings. Recognizing Ramya’s dreams of becoming a fashion designer, the social worker ensured her education remained uninterrupted. The current shelter home lacked the facilities for her 12th-grade studies, so she was relocated to a different shelter home. Here, she was able to register for Form No. 17, allowing her to continue her education through an open school system. The social worker did not just stop at securing Ramya’s immediate safety and education, but also initiated a long-term plan to help Ramya achieve her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
Ramya’s life has been profoundly transformed. She is now safe, on a path towards justice and healing. Today, Ramya is happier and more relaxed than ever before. The social worker’s regular visits offer her a safety net, and Ramya feels empowered to reach out when she needs assistance.
*Name changed to maintain confidentiality.
Journey Of Restoration
A Journey of Empathy….
Sunil comes from a lower-income family. His father is an alcoholic so he stays separate from them. His elder sister is married and staying in Mumbai.
A Journey of Empathy....
Sunil comes from a lower-income family. His father is an alcoholic, so he stays separate from them. His older sister is married and resides in Mumbai. His family faces financial difficulties, and his mother works long hours as a caretaker to support the household. Sunil was in a romantic relationship at the age of 16 with Maya. He could not avoid eloping with her due to the emotional pressure from Maya. That is when a case was registered against Sunil by Maya’s parents, and Sunil was apprehended as per the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and sent to an observation home as per the JJ Act.
At the observation home, Sunil received counselling from an FFCP counsellor. He was feeling devastated and burdened by guilt about his actions, as well as stressed and hopeless about his future. A comprehensive individual care plan was outlined by our counsellor to support Sunil’s reintegration into the community once he is released. The FFCP counsellor’s interventions with Sunil were as follows
- Building a trust relationship: The counsellor developed a trusting relationship with Sunil by assuring him of confidentiality. This foundation was crucial for him to open up about his experiences and feelings.
- Psycho-educational sessions: The counsellor conducted psycho-educational sessions to help Sunil understand the impact of his actions and the consequences of having a sexual relationship before the age of 18 under the POCSO Act. The counsellor also helped him understand the hormonal changes during adolescence and how to channelize them positively.
- Emotional regulation: The counsellor worked with Sunil on strategies for emotional regulation. These interventions helped Sunil develop healthy ways of expressing and managing his emotions.
- Social skills development: The counsellor focused on improving Sunil’s social skills to build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, and make responsible future decisions.
- Continuing education: Recognizing Sunil’s academic potential and desire to continue his education, the counsellor has decided to refer him to an NGO called Care For You Foundation for online tuition classes to support his successful completion of exams.
*Name changed to maintain confidentiality .
A Path of Healing and Rehabilitation….
Sameer was a 14-year-old boy. He had just completed his 8th standard and lived with his loving family, consisting of his father, mother, and elder brother.
A Path of Healing and Rehabilitation....
Sameer was a 14-year-old boy. He had just completed his 8th standard and lived with his loving family, consisting of his father, mother, and elder brother. Sameer was at a stage in life where he was curious about many things, and like many teenagers, he made a wrong choice. One day, while browsing on his mobile phone, Sameer stumbled upon a pornographic video. Unfortunately, his neighbour, an aunt who lived nearby, caught him watching it. In a moment of panic and embarrassment, Sameer pleaded with her not to inform his family about the incident. The neighbour, however, decided to take advantage of Sameer’s vulnerability and started blackmailing him. She demanded that if Sameer wanted her to keep his secret, he would have to do something unimaginable – she asked him to kill her mother-in-law. Trapped and frightened, Sameer, under the immense pressure of the situation, ended up committing the terrible act, taking another person’s life by throwing a stone at her head.
The consequences were grave, and Sameer was subsequently sent to an observation home for the crime of murder. Sameer was overwhelmed with guilt, stress, and anxiety about his actions. He desperately needed guidance and help to make sense of the situation and find a way towards rehabilitation.
The FFCP counsellor knew that the first step was to build rapport with Sameer. The counsellor initiated their counselling sessions with rapport-building activities, creating a safe and comfortable environment for him to speak freely. Understanding Sameer’s background and the events leading up to the crime was crucial. The counsellor spent time listening to Sameer’s story, trying to comprehend the complex factors that had driven him to make such a decision.
Recognizing the need for life skills and behavioural interventions, the FFCP counsellor referred Sameer to the life skills educator at OH. Sameer was taught problem-solving and innovative thinking, helping him develop better decision-making skills.
Additionally, the counsellor provided psychotherapeutic treatment, primarily using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Anger Management techniques. These therapies helped Sameer understand and manage his thoughts, behaviours, and emotions, giving him tools to prevent similar impulsive actions in the future. The FFCP counsellor also emphasized overall development skills.
He encouraged Sameer to participate in various activities such as sports, Djembe, dance, and yoga at OH. These activities not only helped him relieve anxiety but also contributed to his personal growth and development. As time went by, Sameer began to respond positively to the intervention and counselling. He slowly found relief from his overwhelming stress and anxiety, as observed by the counsellor and the staff at the observation home.
*Name changed to maintain confidentiality.
Stepping Stones Towards Rehabilitation…
Anil and Pinky (Name Changed) are deeply in love with one another. They fled and remained together for one and a half years, until Pinky turned 18.
Stepping Stones Towards Rehabilitation….
Anil and Pinky (names changed) were deeply in love. They eloped and stayed together for one and a half years, until Pinky turned 18. Following Pinky’s 18th birthday, they got married. Soon after, Pinky became pregnant with Anil’s child. Anil contemplated returning to his parents’ home to ensure a smooth delivery and avoid any medical emergencies. However, he first considered contacting the police to avoid potential legal complications upon his return home.
However, since this incident occurred when they were still minors, Pinky was instructed to stay at the Child Care Institution (CCI), and Anil was directed to stay at the Observation Home by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). Pinky’s parents pressured her into undergoing a medical abortion for the pregnancy (MTP) and insisted on separating her from Anil. These circumstances contributed to Anil’s depression.
Our counsellor employed Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) along with several counselling techniques, including emotional management, relaxation sessions, and the utilization of the universalization technique, to aid Anil’s recovery. These interventions helped him reduce his stress, allowing him to concentrate on his daily tasks. The counsellor also motivated him to seek employment as part of his rehabilitation and aspire to a meaningful life. Anil is currently employed in a company, earning a respectable income, and enjoying a happy life.
*Name changed to maintain confidentiality.
Testimonials