PANAJI
In what could be a major cause of concern for the State, an alarming 86 child pregnancies were registered over the last five years with majority of these cases purportedly arising out of consensual relationships.
While the government is yet to officially determine the cause of such incidents, the Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) has called for comprehensive sex education and awareness programs among both “ girls and boys to prevent these cases.
“The number of child pregnancies reported in the State annually for the last five years is 86. The government is examining the cause of these cases,” Minister for Women & Child Vishwajit Rane said.
The Goan spoke to the VAU Goa In-charge Emidio Pinho, who emphasized that a significant number of the victims involved in the 86 child pregnancies were unaware of their condition until they sought medical attention due to symptoms like stomach ache or vomiting. The cases then turn into medico-legal cases.
These cases attract the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act and Goa Children’s Act given that the victims are below 18 years of age.
“This is a troubling trend that calls for sex education and awareness... We also need to highlight the importance of early intervention to ensure minors are protected from these challenging circumstances,” he said.
Reiterating the importance of raising awareness about the legal system among boys too, Pinho stressed this move will prevent them from becoming violators of the law. “In majority of these cases, relationships were consensual. There’s one case where the victim confided in the counselor and investigative team that she persuaded the boy into a physical relationship,” he said.
While most of the child pregnancies are reported among Goan girls, the perpetrators are largely from other states, the VAU said.
The government has claimed that VAU, Child Helpline set up in Mapusa Bus Stand and Margao Railways Station, Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and Child Welfare Committees are constituted and are effectively functioning in the State.
“Information, education, and communication activities and awareness sessions are conducted to the general public through all the peripheral health centres and hospitals,” the minister said.
