Activist says communities need to be vigilant
Activist Auda Viegas making a point.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Demanding that the government ensures that there’s no place for another Freddy Peats in the state, Women’s and child rights activist, Auda Viegas on Thursday called for measures to protect children from being abused and misused by paedophiles.
Saying that Goa of late is in the limelight for the wrong reasons, Auda said what is painful is that children are being abused, pornographic materials are prepared and sold both for sexual and visual pleasures of paedophiles.
Addressing the media, Auda reminded that the protection of children from sexual offenses mandates protection of children. “Both parents and the state are responsible for their safety. Clause 3 of Article 15 of the Constitution inter alia empowers the state to make special provisions for children”, she added.
She demanded that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012 has to be following in spirit and law so that all children living in any state are protected from all forms of sexual assault, be it penetrative, aggravated, sexual harassment, use of child pornography, storage of pornographic material involving a child, abetment of an offense, reporting of offense.
Demanding that the cyber cell and the police, besides the communities remain vigilant and report child sexual abuse, Auda said there are predators, preying on the small children online through social media and stalking them.
“Only a vigilant society together with law keepers, law givers and good parenting can curb and control crimes against children”, she added.
