GLENN COSTA
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PANJIM: The State government-sanctioned Vishnu Wagh report on the causes and reasons that led to the molestation and subsequent suicide of a minor girl and the (later added-on) case of the Vasco school girl assault has thrown up some startling revelations and made wide-ranging recommendations.
The report, which Herald has gained exclusive access to, besides investigating into the cases and the circumstances that led to the assaults, has also quantified the various types of the assaults on women, the reasons and psychological profiles for the same, apart from flagging the social problems that lead to such crimes. The report also enumerates recommendations for schools, parents, police and students themselves.
The original scope of the report by the St Andre MLA was to look into circumstances that led the girl to commit suicide. Later, the Vasco rape case was also brought under its ambit because it happened in school and by an outsider. The objective of the report was to ensure that measures are in place so that such cases don’t recur.
“Schools must embrace the concept that working with children is a privilege and not a right,” says the report, arguing that, “effective screening measures act to deter or prevent a molester from having access to children through educational programmes”. It says that it is necessary to apply criminal background checks; tailoring policies and procedures.
An interesting point it makes is that contrary to general belief, there is no usual profile for a molester. A skillful screening of staff members and volunteers, background checks on staff dealing with children and proper formulated policies and procedures go a long way in preventing these types of issues. Elaborating, the report explains that each school should operate with carefully arrived at policies and procedures that balance the mission of the school with the risks that are so much a part of children’s programming.
“Sexual predators will gravitate to activities and organizations where fewer protective measures are in place,” the well-researched report warns, arguing that schools should lead the way in putting together a “protective culture” that is both seen, as well as obvious, to parents and any would-be offender. It has also been pointed out that in light of the Supreme Court’s guidelines on crimes against women, Goa-centric amendments in Goa service conduct rules and standing orders have not been made so far.
As part of its recommendations, it seeks to enforce that teachers take a pledge on how they will handle children and a proper code of ethics; wants police clearance before any appointments made and stresses that the head of the school is ultimately responsible for what goes on in the school.
Regulation of visitors is a must as well as regular meetings with teachers, compulsory sex education, sensitization of children and value education. As part of security, the report also pushes for a compound wall, CCTV and security guards and also protective uniform, a victim assistance unit, and fast track courts.
It makes recommendations for students and family and pushes for an attitude change from the police, especially on the aspect of taking down of statements.
