Hundreds of children in India are subjected to the horrors of sexual abuse every day. Abuse may have catastrophic effects on children's physical and emotional health, as well as robbing them of their innocence and sense of security.

 
Child sexual abuse is a serious problem in India, with children at risk in their homes, schools, and communities. Contact or non-contact abuse can occur, and it has long-term consequences for victims such as low self-esteem, guilt, despair, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Surprisingly, a Ministry of Women and children Development research discovered that 53.22% of children had experienced sexual assault, with 50% of the abusers being known to the kid. The seriousness of the situation was underlined in the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report 2021, with 148 incidents recorded every day. According to NCRB data from 2020, 28.9% of all children experience some type of sexual abuse.

My name is Sara Tandel. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and the Founder of Mukhlasi. The word Mukhlasi means ‘Freedom.’ I believe that child safety begins at home. I was taught to obey my elders without question, even if it meant silencing my own voice. Adults often unknowingly cultivate submission in children and keep them unaware of their private body parts’ safety. In Indian society, it is considered taboo and shame to talk about private body parts with our children, even when it is important for their safety. My family's, loving yet controlling approach, kept me away from this knowledge, which ultimately led to abuse and distress. My goal is to change this attitude by empowering caregivers to foster assertiveness in children.

Imagine a world where every child is safe, secure, and free from the fear of sexual abuse. A world where children can play, learn, and grow into healthy adults without the shadow of abuse looming over them. This is the world that Mukhlasi envisions and tirelessly works towards.

With the intention to create a bright and vibrant world for children we have developed a comprehensive program for children, caregivers, and stakeholders.  

Currently, Mukhlasi has two initiatives: 

The first initiative “Beacon of Safety”, Which has 4 stages

Stage 1: Children will learn to express their views and opinion through the tools of storytelling, acting and be fearless while expressing their thoughts and feelings.

Stage 2: Children will be knowing about the private body parts, safe and unsafe behavior, identifying trusted adult and know about the child sexual abuse.

Stage 3: Children will be learning technique of protecting themselves from the abuse like to express their opinion assertively, self-defense, taking support of elders immediately.

Stage 4: Caregivers will learn about what is child sexual abuse, prevention methods, how to create a safe and supportive environment for children and POCSO Act.
The second initiative “Catalyst of Change”
Focuses on training key stakeholders such as teachers, psychologists, social workers, NGOs, etc. The goal is to equip these individuals/organisations with the knowledge and tools to further educate and empower more children in their respective communities.

We are aiming to reach 800 children, with each workshop accommodating 25 participants. The program will be implemented in schools and shelter homes in Maharashtra over the 6 months (i.e., From January 2024 to June 2024). The budget for this initiative is Rs. 12,09,600/-. From which the project cost is Rs. 627,500 and Rs. 5,82,100. This will cover various costs including transportation for the trainer and interns, materials required for the training (such as game and activity materials), stipends for the interns, and the trainer’s salary.

Foreign donors can transfer the amount to: https://www.paypal.me/mukhlasi