Team Herald
PANJIM: In the wake of increasing offences against children, Goa Police has decided to hold self-defence camps for students in all schools during the summer vacation.
Participating at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day, police chief Dr Muktesh Chander focused on the safety of children as well considering that juveniles are vulnerable and soft targets of criminal-minded persons. “Police officials will conduct week-long self-defence training across all the schools to ensure they are capable to tackle possible difficulties in future,” he said addressing a gathering of women from various sectors in the capital on Wednesday.
It is learnt that the department is contemplating extending the training even during the academic year.
Citing incidents of child sex abuse, Chander pointed out to records indicating that in a majority of cases, offenders are related to the victim. He advised parents not to ignore their children’s complaints on the sensitive subject. “At times parents do not believe their children and prefer to remain tight-lipped on the issue. They should ensure safe environment to their child rather than ignoring the crime as it usually affects the mental stability of the victim,” he stated.
The department intends to conduct monthly meetings with all NGOs dealing with crimes against children and women.
