PANAJI
Citing alarming low rates of conviction in POCSO cases, Goa's Child Rights body has advocated a shift in focus to 'restorative care' for the victims of sexual violence cases, hitherto a neglected area, arguing that in some cases they and their families turn hostile.
“Very low conviction rate exists in the State with several POCSO cases ending in acquittals. There is also a grim reality of a gross failure to support and rehabilitate the victim and his/her family,” said Peter Borges who heads the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) said.
Borges said, as a result of neglect in the area of providing support and rehabilitation to victims and their families, there are instances of them turning hostile.
In a press release, Borges said the Commission has embarked on an exercise to assess the 10 years since the POCSO Act came into force, adding that early findings show there are basic aspects of the legislation that remain alarmingly unaddressed, particularly in the areas of protection, restorative care and justice through the child’s rehabilitation and healing.
“Violence against children, particularly sexual violence has captured the stage for quite some time now with Goa too witnessing a surge in sexual crimes against children in the recent times,” Borges said, adding that incidents of abuse have risen exponentially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, including new and insidious forms of cybercrime.
Borges also said that there is a need for support services for children for the POCSO law to be effective and impactful instead of being a mere cosmetic change.
“While it is important to secure punishment for the perpetrator, focus should also be laid on restorative care and justice,” he said.
The Commission has also listed commitment in ensuring some measures and also some systemic requirements through a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure the law is effective.
He said, rules under POCSO were notified by the Central government back in 2020 but are yet to be notified in the State of Goa.
"The notification of these rules is urgent in nature," Borges said, adding that it is affecting service delivery for POCSO victims in Goa.
Also, the 'model guidelines' under section 39 of the POCSO Act, is important for the use of NGOs, professionals, experts or persons having knowledge of psychology, social work, physical health, mental health and child development in pre-trial and trial stage assistance to the child victim, he added.
Citing alarming low rates of conviction in POCSO cases, Goa's Child Rights body has advocated a shift in focus to 'restorative care' for the victims of sexual violence cases, hitherto a neglected area, arguing that in some cases they and their families turn hostile.
“Very low conviction rate exists in the State with several POCSO cases ending in acquittals. There is also a grim reality of a gross failure to support and rehabilitate the victim and his/her family,” said Peter Borges who heads the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) said.
Borges said, as a result of neglect in the area of providing support and rehabilitation to victims and their families, there are instances of them turning hostile.
In a press release, Borges said the Commission has embarked on an exercise to assess the 10 years since the POCSO Act came into force, adding that early findings show there are basic aspects of the legislation that remain alarmingly unaddressed, particularly in the areas of protection, restorative care and justice through the child’s rehabilitation and healing.
“Violence against children, particularly sexual violence has captured the stage for quite some time now with Goa too witnessing a surge in sexual crimes against children in the recent times,” Borges said, adding that incidents of abuse have risen exponentially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, including new and insidious forms of cybercrime.
Borges also said that there is a need for support services for children for the POCSO law to be effective and impactful instead of being a mere cosmetic change.
“While it is important to secure punishment for the perpetrator, focus should also be laid on restorative care and justice,” he said.
The Commission has also listed commitment in ensuring some measures and also some systemic requirements through a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure the law is effective.
He said, rules under POCSO were notified by the Central government back in 2020 but are yet to be notified in the State of Goa.
"The notification of these rules is urgent in nature," Borges said, adding that it is affecting service delivery for POCSO victims in Goa.
Also, the 'model guidelines' under section 39 of the POCSO Act, is important for the use of NGOs, professionals, experts or persons having knowledge of psychology, social work, physical health, mental health and child development in pre-trial and trial stage assistance to the child victim, he added.
He also called for the notification of 'Vulnerable Witness Disposition Centre' scheme as per directions of the Supreme Court besides amendments to the Goa Victim Compensation Scheme to provide them aid.
