PANJIM: Aam Aadmi Party’s Women’s Front submitted a petition on the issue of children’s protection to both District Collectors in Goa demanding to use the full force of the law entrusted to protect the rights, dignity and safety of children in Goa.
Despite having powerful state and central legislations, including the Goa Children’s Act 2003, the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, the POCSO Act 2012 etc, incidents of child abuse, especially sexual and other physical abuse, continue abated in the state, AAP said.
The delegation called on the Collector to specifically address glaring lacunae in the implementation of safety measures in schools, and sought more stringent monitoring of children’s shelters and juvenile homes.
The delegation highlighted the instances of child abuse and exploitation especially rampant in the coastal belt and the insecure conditions at juvenile homes and children’s shelters due to lack of training, sensitivity and resources, leading to further distress for minors already in difficult circumstances.
AAP also highlighted measures used in other countries that act as a strong deterrence.
