Mumbai, November 14, 2025: Arpan, a globally recognised non-profit organisation dedicated to the elimination of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), has announced the 7th edition of its public awareness campaign called Child Safety Week (CSW) — observed annually from 14th to 20th November — with a bold and uncompromising new theme: #POCSOPakadLega. Vidya Balan, one of India’s most acclaimed actors and Arpan’s Goodwill Ambassador, lends her support as the face and voice of CSW 2025. Eminent actors Shweta Kawaatra, Manav Gohil, and Anup Soni are also supporting the campaign with their influential presence.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB 2023), 71,641 cases of sexual crimes against children were reported in 2023, averaging 196 cases per day. Against this grim backdrop, Child Safety Week, initiated by Arpan in 2019, stands as a nationwide movement to amplify conversations and drive action to protect children from sexual abuse.
For CSW 2025, Arpan built on the momentum of its bold mass media strategy and the powerful #ProtectedByPOCSO theme introduced during CSW 2024, which focused on addressing offenders. This year’s theme, “POCSO Pakad Lega,” sends an uncompromising message to every offender: “Kisi bhi bacche ko galat tareeke se chhua toh #POCSOPakadLega), which serves both as a warning and a deterrent, making the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) visible and accountability real. The campaign also calls on all adult stakeholders reminding them that when adults take action, laws like POCSO come alive and ensure that offenders are held accountable.
Pooja Taparia, Founder and CEO of Arpan, said: “Child Sexual Abuse isn’t a taboo topic to be shrouded in silence — it’s a criminal offence, and silence only protects offenders. Through #POCSOPakadLega, we are no longer whispering about this issue; we are shouting it out loud — if you sexually abuse a child, the law will catch you. Our goal is to dismantle silence, empower adults to take action, and ensure that every offender knows that impunity is no longer an option. Every child deserves safety, and every offender deserves to be held accountable”.
To amplify the campaign’s reach and impact, renowned actor and Arpan’s Goodwill Ambassador Vidya Balan has lent her face and voice to the initiative. “I’m proud to stand with Arpan this Child Safety Week to send a clear message — if you sexually abuse a child, POCSO Pakad Lega. Child Sexual Abuse is punishable by law, and every child in India is Protected By POCSO. I urge all adults to speak up when they see a child in an unsafe situation and hold offenders accountable. Join me and Arpan in reminding offenders that we’re watching — POCSO Pakad Lega.” says Vidya Balan.
Actor, Entrepreneur, and Social advocate Shweta Kawaatra, famous Indian actor Manav Gohil, known for his diverse roles in television shows and films, and Anup Soni, a popular actor best known for hosting the television series Crime Patrol, are also supporting the campaign.
The creative idea “POCSO Pakad Lega” was conceptualised by VML. The creatives and campaign film were co-created by Arpan in collaboration with VML’s creative team, combining strategic insight with compelling storytelling to reinforce the message of accountability under the POCSO Act.
