Arpan is India’s largest nonprofit addressing Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) with the vision of a World Free from Child Sexual Abuse. To date, Arpan has impacted over 18.3 million children and adults through its comprehensive programs.
The Problem
In India, one in two children faces sexual abuse, yet societal taboos and a lack of dialogue keep this issue largely unreported. The absence of comprehensive life skills education in schools and limited expertise or resources to address CSA compounds the problem. The consequences of CSA include lifelong trauma, leading to conditions such as PTSD, depression, and substance abuse. Globally, the economic burden of CSA is staggering, and India faces an enormous but underreported financial and emotional cost due to the scale of the issue.
The Solution
Arpan adopts a rights-based approach, striving to reduce CSA through prevention and intervention. Its flagship Personal Safety Education (PSE) program equips children and caregivers with knowledge and tools to prevent abuse, handle disclosures, and heal from trauma. Alongside rigorous research and evaluations, Arpan drives systemic change by partnering with government bodies and organizations to scale and replicate its programs nationally and globally.
Programs and Initiatives
1. Personal Safety Education (PSE) Program
This innovative school-based program educates children (Grades 1-12) and caregivers on CSA prevention and intervention. The program includes safe spaces for disclosure, counseling to stop ongoing abuse, and therapy for survivors and children exhibiting harmful sexual behavior. A “Step-Up” initiative revisits children after 2-3 years to provide age-appropriate knowledge and support. Over 260,000 children and adults across Maharashtra have benefited from this program.
2. Training and Advocacy
Arpan collaborates with governments and NGOs to mainstream child protection through curriculum integration, teacher training, and systemic advocacy. Its partnerships with NCERT, state governments, and over 600 NGOs have enabled the training of 267,000 professionals, who have reached 17.3 million children and adults across 18 Indian states and Bhutan.
3. Digital Learning Program
To expand its reach, Arpan has developed free multilingual e-learning modules for children aged 4-13, accessible at www.arpanelearn.com. These modules are integrated into platforms like DIKSHA, Firki, and TCSion, making them accessible nationwide. Over 295,000 individuals have benefited from Arpan’s digital resources.
4. Mental Health Services
Arpan provides free helpline and tele-counselling services for survivors of CSA and their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arpan introduced chat-based counselling and partnered with Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department to support children orphaned by COVID-19. To date, Arpan’s mental health services have impacted over 4,000 individuals.
5. Public Awareness and Child Safety Week
Launched in 2019, Child Safety Week is a collaborative movement held annually from November 14-20. It fosters dialogue and collective action on CSA, reaching over 100,000 unique individuals through events and campaigns.
Impact Highlights
18.3 million individuals reached through programs.
Post-PSE program evaluations revealed that 90% of children sought help from trusted adults after identifying unsafe situations.
80% of children trained by Arpan-empowered teachers remembered key personal safety concepts.
Key Achievements
Integrated PSE into the National School Health and Wellness Program under Ayushman Bharat.
Trained teachers across Maharashtra as part of MSCERT’s Child Rights & Protection Manual.
Won the WISE Award (2019) by Qatar Foundation for the PSE Program.
Recognized as one of India’s Top 5 COVID Last Mile Responders by the World Economic Forum (2021).
Received the C. Henry Kempe Award for significant work in child abuse prevention (2016).
Maintained Guidestar India Platinum Certification for six consecutive years.
Future Plans
Scale and replicate the PSE program nationally through partnerships with governments and NGOs.
Expand digital PSE modules across India and globally.
Advocate for integrating PSE into school curricula in 15 Indian states.
Pioneer new research on CSA prevention and education.
By transforming prevention and intervention frameworks, Arpan continues to empower communities and protect children, creating a safer and brighter future for all.
Link: https://thebusinessfame.com/magazines/digital/indias-most-standout-business-leader-of-the-year/#page=1
