the goan I network
PANAJI
In the wake of increasing incidents of sexual violence against women and children, concerned individuals from different movements and civil society organisations held a meeting in Panaji on May 31.
Present at the meeting were representatives from ARZ, Bailancho Saad, Bailancho Ekvott, Children’s Rights in Goa, Child Line, Human Rights Law Network, Jan Ugahi, Sahas, Saad Alashiro, Saad Angaan, Bachchao Project, etc.
While condemning the recent gang rape at Betalbatim, and the sexual assault of minors prior and post this heinous crime, the group noted that in the last few months, Goa had seen a series of cases of molestation, rape, sex trafficking, and murders linked with tourism.
They found it shameful that 322 rapes were registered in the state in the last four years, but that conviction rate was as low as 1.86%. Goa has also had 739 cases of molestation, 198 cases of eve-teasing, 275 cases of kidnapping booked.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr Sabina Martins said that these statistics clearly showed a lack of law enforcement and apathy of the investigation teams and justice administration towards crimes against women. She also said that despite SC directions, escorting the victim for medical examination, counselling, and representation by legal aid counsel remains mostly in legal digests. Even collection of evidence, medicals, forensics, finger-printing, etc is inconsistent.
Children and women who report sexual assault are even more at risk when they belong to marginalised communities.
If the perpetrators are influential, the police often put pressure on the complainants to drop charges. These obstacles to justice and dignity are aggravated by victim blaming and social stigma.
The group stressed that people would not allow the hard won rights of women to be rolled back in the guise of security and demanded speedy justice in all cases of sexual violence.
