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How to File POCSO Complaint Against Child Sexual Abuse 2026

POCSO Complaint - report child sexual abuse. Police FIR or 1098. Child Welfare Committee. Free legal aid.

📁 Schemes ⏱️ 30-45 mins 💰 Free

About This Guide

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012. File complaint via: Police FIR (Section 19 mandatory), Child Helpline 1098 (24/7), CWC (Child Welfare Committee), online ncpcr.gov.in. Free legal aid via NALSA. Strict POCSO Special Courts. Time-bound trial 1 year.

Eligibility Criteria

Child victim of sexual offence (under 18)
Or any aware person (anyone can report)
Indian citizen
Mandatory reporting by anyone aware

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.

Child's details (age, name)
Incident details (date, time, place, accused)
Witness statements (if any)
Medical records (if examined)
School/parents' KYC
Photo of victim (with care)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.

Immediate Safety

Move child to safe environment. Don't pressure to silence.

Call 1098

Childline - 24/7 free. Trained counselor + immediate help.

Police FIR

Visit nearest police station. Section 19 makes reporting mandatory by anyone aware.

Or Online

NCPCR pocso-ebox or e-FIR portal.

Medical Examination

Mandatory under Section 27. Conducted at govt hospital. Free.

CWC Notification

Child Welfare Committee informed. Provides protection.

Statement Recording

Special arrangements (Section 24): female officer, in private, victim-friendly.

Legal Aid

NALSA appoints lawyer. Free.

Special Court Trial

POCSO Court. Time-bound 1 year.

Compensation

Victim Compensation Scheme - lakhs of rupees from state fund.

Key Benefits

Strict law (10y to lifetime imprisonment)
Time-bound trial 1 year
Special POCSO courts
Free legal aid
Victim compensation
In-camera proceedings
Child-friendly investigation
Multiple reporting channels
Section 21 - non-reporting punishable

What Happens After Application?

Investigation begins immediately. Trial within 1 year. Compensation claim parallel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anonymous complaint?

Yes possible via 1098 or NCPCR online. But formal FIR needs identification eventually.

Boy children also covered?

YES. POCSO is gender-neutral. Both girls + boys protected. Often boys underreported.