Team Herald
PANJIM: As commercial sexual exploitation has once again raised its ugly head, the stakeholders have expressed grave concern while seeking vigilant public to help the authorities’ crackdown on the illegal activity.
In NGO Anyay Rahit Zindagi’s (ARZ) video released on ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons,’ Vasco Sub Divisional Magistrate Levinson Martins said commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) is the worst form of exploitation.
“CSE is the worst form of exploitation committed against any human being. Magistrates have an important role to play and they can contribute immensely towards controlling the CSE by using the power under Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act in the rescue, rehabilitation (of the victims) and sealing of the premises (involved in carrying out the illegal trade). Let’s prevent Goa from becoming a market for commercial sexual activities,” Martins, who has handled numerous cases of rescued victims, said.
The video also consists of voices from police, women and child department and other stakeholders regarding steps to be taken to stop CSE in the State.
Women and Child Development Director Deepali Naik, suggested the need for different govt and non-govt agencies to join hands “to ensure the victims of CSE receive proper service and are not re-trafficked.” She added, “Only then we can make Goa safe for women.”
Sudiksha Naik, Police Inspector at Women police station has called upon the people to remain alert, vigilant and work together with the police to book the offenders.
The State saw three prostitution cases booked within one week this month, indicating that despite the ongoing pandemic, the traffickers are carrying out the illegal trade.
