PANAJI
Teenage pregnancies now account for nearly one in every eight child protection cases handled by Goa’s Victim Assistance Unit (VAU), with officials warning that relationships initiated on social media are increasingly drawing school-going girls into situations that end in sexual exploitation and pregnancy.
Data shared with The Goan shows that teenage pregnancies made up 11.9 per cent of all cases registered by the unit so far in 2026. The proportion stood at 15.6 per cent in both 2024 and 2025, compared with 14.7 per cent in 2023.
VAU Chief Emidio Pinho said the figures remain a matter of concern because nearly all the girls involved are between 14 and 18 years and are still attending school.
“In many instances, the pregnancy is discovered only during a routine medical examination or after they complain of stomach pain. More often than not, the girls are not accompanied by their parents. Doctors then immediately alert the NGO and the police,” Pinho said.
According to the VAU findings, girls aged 16 to 18 account for 59.6 per cent of teenage pregnancy cases, while those between 11 and 15 years make up 39.4 per cent. Cases involving children below the age of 10 account for less than one per cent.
Investigations have revealed a recurring pattern, Pinho said. Many of the accused are men in their 20s or 30s who are already known to the victim or her family. The relationships often begin through social media interactions before progressing to in-person meetings.
"They first connect through chats, direct messages and other social media platforms before eventually meeting in person. In many cases, the accused is someone already known to the victim or even her family," he said, adding that all those accused have been arrested. The analysis further shows that in 20.3 per cent of cases the accused is the victim's boyfriend, followed by friends (17.7 per cent), neighbours (11.9 per cent) and strangers (11.3 per cent). Relatives account for 9.3 per cent of cases, while teachers or school staff constitute 6.4 per cent. The VAU has also observed that unrestricted access to high-end smartphones has made many teenagers more vulnerable to online grooming and manipulation. The trend has emerged even as the overall number of child protection cases handled by the VAU has steadily declined. The unit registered 522 cases in 2023, 419 in 2024 and 364 in 2025. Around 202 cases have been reported so far this year, with the highest cases being sexual abuse and runaway children. "The number of cases has come down because of continuous awareness programs, identifying hotspots and school sessions... But the offences we encounter are deeply concerning," Pinho said.
The unit has also flagged cases in which minor girls were allegedly exploited by tenants, guests or visitors staying in rented houses. "There have also been instances where minor girls were allegedly exploited by tenants or visitors staying in rented houses. Parents should avoid leaving their children in the care of others for extended periods when they are away. It is equally important to ensure proper verification of tenants and visitors," Pinho said.
To strengthen prevention efforts, the VAU has partnered with local bodies to conduct awareness programmes for students, parents and teachers. Police, schools and the Child Welfare Committee have also been brought onto a common platform to improve coordination and ensure earlier intervention.
"The initiative also includes self-defence training for students, along with sensitisation programs for parents and educators to help them recognise the early signs of abuse and exploitation," he added.
