Shivamogga Diocese Trains Church Workers to Build Safer Spaces for Children

Church and social service workers across the Diocese of Shivamogga have completed a two day safeguarding orientation aimed at building safer environments for children and vulnerable persons. The programme, held on 13 and 14 August 2026 at the Shivamogga Multipurpose Social Service Society, was organised by SMSS in partnership with KROSS and Caritas India.

Titled Safeguarding Policy as a Shared Commitment to Promote a Safer Environment for Children and Vulnerable Persons, the orientation brought together clergy, social workers and institutional staff to strengthen their understanding of child protection laws, safeguarding practices and institutional accountability.

Fr Richard Pais, Regional Forum Executive Director at KROSS, opened the programme with a keynote address on why safeguarding policy matters even in the presence of laws such as POCSO and POSH. He outlined three pillars that guided the two days of learning: prevention, protection and action.

Ms Catherine Kune, Lead Safeguarding at Caritas India, traced how the organisation built its safeguarding framework in partnership with CRS, describing the years of consultation and training that shaped current practice. She noted a significant milestone for Karnataka, where the number of trained safeguarding experts has grown from just one to seven through a training of trainers programme supported by Caritas Asia.

A recurring message throughout the sessions was the need to break the culture of silence that often surrounds abuse, both globally and within Asian communities. Facilitators stressed that safeguarding is not an accusation against any institution, but a shared responsibility built on prevention, protection and everyday accountability.

Participants took part in focused sessions covering legal frameworks, cultural dynamics and psychological impact, including: Understanding POCSO, POSH and child protection structures at district, taluk, Gram Panchayat and village levels, led by Mr Varghese GM, Regional Coordinator of KROSS

A session on the cultural roots of violence and how normalisation can silence survivors, facilitated by Fr Arul Selvakumar, Director of Mysore DSSS.

An interactive exploration of Adverse Childhood Experiences and their long term impact on children, led by Fr Arun Lobo, Director of Vimukti Charitable Trust, which included a hands on team activity called Save the Egg

A session on institutional policy, code of conduct and safe spaces by Sr Theresa Mascarenhas, Director of the Social Work Centre of the Sisters of St Charles Borromeo

Risk mapping and mitigation strategies presented by Mrs Sylvia Maria Correa of SMSSS

Vulnerability and stakeholder mapping, facilitated by Fr Steven D’Souza, who described safeguarding as a value that must live in daily attitudes and behaviour, not just in policy documents

The orientation closed with participants building institution specific action plans using a structured matrix, followed by an evaluation exercise measuring impact at the individual, family, community and institutional level.

Fr Pius D’Souza, Director of SMSS, urged participants to carry the training forward as personal examples of safeguarding within their communities. He said building the right mindset, not just following a checklist, is what will make safe spaces last.

Caritas India, KROSS and the Diocese of Shivamogga plan to continue this work through further safeguarding modules, reinforcing child protection as a shared and ongoing institutional commitment across Karnataka.