Programme Media in Social Work Intervention against Child Sexual Abuse in Bawana: Significance and Tensions

Abstract

This paper reflects on the application of program media in social work interventions aimed at building awareness against child sexual abuse in Bawana's rural communities. The authors, social work educators and fieldwork supervisors in Bawana, describe their efforts to address the urgent need for awareness and support among children and families in these isolated villages. Bawana’s geographical remoteness limits resources, and its patriarchal, densely populated settings present unique challenges. The educators have employed various program media methods—such as films, documentaries, comics, and street plays—to educate stakeholders about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Drawing on Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" (2000), the paper underscores the importance of deconstructing traditional communication processes and advocating for innovative, responsive social work practices. Through reflections on the implementation of these media techniques, the paper explores their significance, barriers, and effectiveness over a two-year period. It argues that social work practices must evolve from conventional approaches to embrace a people-cantered, culturally sensitive methodology. The findings suggest that learning from the experiences of survivors and families in Bawana can lead to more effective, accountable social work interventions. This transformation is crucial for addressing the complexities of child sexual abuse in such communities.