A B S T RA C T
Introduction:Child sexual offences, as well as neglect, is one of the most prevalent and crucial social issues worldwide. The child sexual abuse is an offence which is commonly under-reported in India. It is found that more than 3 million children become victim of abuse each year.1Many more cases among them are unreported. The newly adopted POCSO Act, 2012 deals with all forms of sexual abuse of children and the principles to handle the child in a systematic way and it is the most detailed law regarding this problem. The current study aims to analyze the level of knowledge & attitude and awareness about various practical issues of CSA in context of the POCSO Act, 2012. Methods: This is a questionnaire-based study conducted amongst the Medical practitioners of Ahmednagar city. A questionnaire was prepared on Google form consistingof10questionsaboutPOCSOAct2012.About157medicalpractitioners from Ahmednagar city participated in study. The questionnaire distributed to the doctors & it was focused on knowledge, understanding, their attitude, and practice toward child abuse and POCSO Act 2012.Result:Out of total 10 questions average points scored was 6.11/10. Most disappointing observation made is majorly 57 % RMP doesn’tknowaboutthepunishmentifhe/shefailstoreportthecaseunderPOCSOAct. Conclusion:The study showed that knowledge& attitude about POCSO Act 2012 amongstmedicalpractitionerinAhmednagarcitywassatisfactory.Butinadditionto strengthening of legislature, more in depth knowledge regarding child sexual abuse among medical professionals will help to eradicate this sensitive childhood social issue