Kottayam: In a significant step to empower communities, the Archdiocese of Kottayam organized a Legal Awareness Seminar under its Bonding Families initiative, focusing on protecting children and women from violence and exploitation. The event, held at Thellakam Chaitanya, aimed to educate participants on legal frameworks including the POCSO Act and other mechanisms safeguarding women.
The seminar was inaugurated by Fr. Jeffin Ozhungalil, Assistant Director of the Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS). Key speakers included Sister Betsy SVM, KSSS Program Officer Sijo Thomas, and Coordinator BG Jose, who shared insights on social and legal responsibilities. The session on child protection laws and women’s safety was led by Adv. Sister Jyothis P. Thomas, former member of the Kottayam District Child Welfare Committee.
The program was conducted in collaboration with the Bonding Families organization of the Knanaya Catholic Region of America and the Kottayam Social Service Society, reinforcing global-local partnerships in child and women protection initiatives.
Fr. Jeffin Ozhungalil emphasized the importance of awareness and legal literacy, noting that knowledge is a powerful tool to prevent abuse and exploitation. Attendees also included Nessie Tomy and Daisy Cyriac, who were present alongside the speakers, marking the event as a milestone in community-based legal education in Kottayam.