How To Conduct 5.2

5.2 Session Guidance: Applied Group Exercise- Responding to Violence, Abuse and Exploitation Against Children

Methodology and Learning Process

This session should be delivered as a structured group exercise. The aim is to help participants think through how police should respond when they encounter different situations involving violence, abuse or exploitation of children, and to understand that the core response principles remain the same across different types of cases.

Step 1: Framing the Exercise

Trainer Action

Explain clearly:

“Now we will look at how police should respond in real situations involving children.”

Step 2: Group Formation

Trainer Action

• Divide participants into small groups (ideally 4–6 participants per group).
• Where possible, mix participants with different levels of experience.

Trainer Flexibility Note

Depending on the number of participants and time available, the trainer may:

• assign one topic per group, or
• assign more than one topic to a group for smaller batches.

Step 3: Assigning Topics / Situations

Trainer Action

Assign each group one child-related situation from the Training Manual, such as:

• child sexual abuse or sexual violence;
• child marriage;
• street-connected children;
• missing children;
• physical abuse or corporal punishment;
• economic exploitation, trafficking or forced labour;
• other vulnerable or high-risk groups.

Trainer Note

Trainers may add additional situations relevant to:

• local conditions,
• recent incidents, or
• district-specific child protection concerns.

Step 4: Group Task

Trainer Instructions to Groups

Explain:

“Your task is to discuss how police should respond when they encounter this situation.”

Each group should prepare a short presentation covering:

• A brief understanding of the situation and risks to the child;
• Which laws guide police action (names only);
• What police should do at first contact;
• How to act in a child-sensitive way; and
• Which authorities or services police should coordinate with.

Step 5: Group Presentations and Consolidation

Trainer Action

• Ask each group to share their main points briefly.
• Allow other participants to add important points if something is missed.
• Keep discussion short and focused.

Trainer Consolidation

Summarise clearly:

“The situation may differ, but police responsibilities remain the same.It is about applying a consistent, protective and lawful police response across different situations involving harm to children.