MARGAO
In the wake of increasing number of assaults on women and children in public places, NGOs from Goa, namely Bailancho Saad, ARZ, Goa Women's Forum and Bailancho Ekvott, met in Margao to take stock and discuss the disappointing response of the law enforcement officials and the statutory bodies constituted by the Government to stop crime and take steps to deal with such matters.The organisations strongly condemned the reported incident from Margao, where in a woman was brutally assaulted and had her hand broken in a public place near the old railway station in Margao. The organisations also strongly condemned the assault of a woman in Mapusa market by a police personnel and left to bleed. The woman was given 9 stitches in the hospital.
The organisations expressed concern over the numerous assaults on women reported from various public places in Goa such as outside railway stations, bus stands, tourist places like a hotel or in a restaurant and the streets. Organisations also noted the rise in trafficking of women and children. The violence against women has made women insecure and unsafe, not just the marginalised group of women, the domestic and foreign tourists, but also the local women from Goa.
The organisations observed that migrant families come to Goa to earn their livelihood. Women and children are seen sleeping and bathing on the pavements of the new railway station in Margao and also near the old market circle, which makes them vulnerable to such assaults. Similar circumstances occur outside the railway stations, especially at Vasco and Margao, where these families whilst travelling back to their native place gather at the railway station early evening, due to inadequate public transport, given that these areas are surrounded by bars and alcoholics, women and children become particularly vulnerable.
The organisations expressed concern that Goa is witnessing abuse and exploitation of women and children as there is no deterrent action nor affirmative action from the State authorities that are responsible to act. There is no coordinated action between the Goa Police, District Administration, Government Departments such as Department of Women and Child and Statuary bodies such as the Goa State Commission for Women, Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Child Welfare Committees. Each state body blames the other when crime takes place and there is failure in law and order.
The organisations have therefore demanded speedy investigation of the Margao and Mapusa assault cases, monitored by a DySP-level police officer, compensation to the victims of violence in the Margao and Mapusa cases.
They have also demanded that the government put in place preventive measures to stop the crimes against women and prepare a plan of action for preventing crime against women and children after consulting the vulnerable population and voluntary organisations working for the welfare of women and children.
