PANAJI
The Curchorem case, where a 20‑year‑old allegedly exploited dozens of minors and circulated videos online, has jolted Goa. But experts say the shock is misplaced. The incident is not an aberration -- it is a symptom of a child protection system riddled with gaps.
Peter Borges, former Goa Child Rights Commissioner, is blunt: “What happened in Curchorem is not shocking. What is shocking is that we still act surprised.”
He points to a “deeply weakened and neglected child protection ecosystem,” where monitoring bodies remain defunct and investment in prevention is minimal. Despite rising abuse and digital exploitation, structured programmes to equip children, parents, and institutions are missing.
Trust deficit
“The bigger crisis is trust. Reporting is low due to delays, insensitive handling, and the absence of trauma‑informed care. Survivors are left alone,” Borges said.
The Curchorem case illustrates these failures. Victims reportedly went missing or hesitated to come forward, reflecting a system that feels unsafe.
Police investigations, particularly in the realm of digital evidence, remain weak. The absence of functional support persons under the POCSO Act has led to hostile witnesses and acquittals.
Borges also raises questions about whether global tipline reports on child sexual abuse material were received and acted upon in Goa.
Perception of impunity
A postgraduate student of psychology analysing the case highlights another dimension: power and social learning. "The accused, son of a local councillor, allegedly exploited 25–30 minors and made videos. His repeated acts suggest there was an audience for his content,” the student noted.
The delay in arrest, despite public outcry, reinforced perceptions of impunity. “Social learning explains this well. When people in power escape punishment, others believe they can too,” said the student, who wished anonymity, citing data showing over 150 current MPs facing sexual assault allegations without losing office. He argued that such models embolden perpetrators.
Weak justice chain
Lawyers defending accused in child abuse cases acknowledge systemic weaknesses. One criminal lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Investigations are often sloppy. Digital evidence is mishandled. Witnesses turn hostile because victims lack support. This leads to acquittals, which in turn erode public faith.”
Another lawyer, a public prosecutor with the Department of Prosecution, pointed out that police often wait for victims to file formal complaints, an unrealistic expectation when minors face stigma, threats, and trauma.
Counsellors working with survivors stress the psychological toll. “Expecting minors to publicly register complaints is unrealistic,” said a child psychologist, adding that trauma distorts memory, which can be used against victims in court.
The fear of retaliation and shame silences them, counsellors argue, making a case for trauma‑informed care, confidential reporting mechanisms, and stronger community support. The weak links are clear: defunct monitoring bodies, poor investment in prevention, insensitive handling of survivors, weak investigations, and lack of structured support. Together, they create an environment where perpetrators exploit power and victims remain voiceless.
Experts warn that focusing on distractions -- like banning social media -- misses the point. The real challenge is building trust, strengthening institutions, and ensuring accountability. Without systemic reform, cases like Curchorem will not remain isolated -- they will become patterns.
As Borges summed up: “This is not an isolated case. This is a pattern of systemic neglect.”
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Explainer: The POCSO Support Person Mechanism
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act provides for the appointment of a “support person” to assist child survivors through the legal process. In theory, this mechanism is designed to reduce trauma, ensure sensitive handling, and help victims navigate police, medical, and court procedures.
How it is supposed to work:
Why it often fails:
