PANAJI
At least one in six underage boys and one in four minor girls are sexually abused in Goa that recorded 2,606 cases under The Prevention Of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and Goa Children’s Act, in the last eight years.
In what could be a matter of concern, despite being one of the most literate States, some local families still believe in tantric rituals (occult practices) that usually lead to crime.
Addressing an awareness program on the ‘role of media & TV channel, and child-friendly procedures’ in the capital on Tuesday, Victims Assistance Unit (VAU) in-charge Emidio Pinho slammed the lack of awareness as a major drawback.
“At least one in six boys and one in four girls, under the age of 18 years, have suffered sexual abuse. While assisting the police during the investigation, we have come across various problems, one being lack of communication between parents and children,” Pinho said.
The growing risk of crimes against children, addiction to social media and teenage pregnancies could be attributed to lack of communication and understanding between the parents and children.
He also pointed out how some parents were blindly following tantric practices with teenage pregnancies being reported every year.
Pinho alleged that 25 percent of relationships start through social media. The VAU study has also revealed that children are getting sexually involved at a much younger age.
“Maximum cases of sexual abuse are between the age group of 11 and 15 years... Teenage pregnancies are also a cause of serious concern...” he said. The VAU has also reported suicides, cybercrime and runaways, all majorly due to lack of awareness.
Another official alleged that either a victim is not aware he/she is being abused or there is ignorance.
"Parents should come out openly to speak to their children about these factors that will eventually help the child in the long run," the official said as the program also had the presence of President of Children's Court Sayonara Telles-Laad, DIG Bosco George and Women & Child Development Director Deepali Naik.
As per the data, since 2014, the highest number of 353 cases were reported in 2021 while the last calendar year saw a drop in cases to 269.
