PANJIM: Baina, the notorious commercial sex workers joint at Vasco was demolished by the government, due to the bad name it brought to Goa. However decades after its demolition, a recent report says that there more commercial sex workers operating in Goa now then during Baina day? In this Editor of Street Voices, Herald Media asked people to react to this revelation and what they feel about it.
There was a Red Light area in Baina, Vasco for many years. People used to be ashamed to stay in that area. But now you have seen Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Panjim, Mapusa, this business is going on everywhere. Some sex workers are brought forcefully, some come on their own. If they are caught they say ‘my mother is sick’, ‘my son has died due to cancer’, ‘ my husband has left me, how will I manage my expenses in my youth?.’ They tell lots of lies. That is how they escape from the police. The Supreme Court has passed a judgement which says that if the women do it willingly no one can stop them. They can be fined Rs 500 and let go. No case can be filed against them, nor can they be sent to protective homes, nor a case can be filed against them.
Tara Kerkar Social Activist
I condemn and I do not want sex trade to continue in Goa. I had bad effect on our younger generation and adult men. I want that the Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Women to implement strict laws to control this sex trade. Due to the rampant sex trade in Goa, other women are not safe on the beaches or even at bus stops. Men stop and ask for the price. The government should give justice to women
Ana Gracias Social Activist
Today we organized a programme on the occasion of National Human Trafficking Awareness day. We want the people to be aware whatever is happening around them and report the same to the police as and when they see it. We are fighting against various types of trafficking cases such as child labour, sex trafficking, organ trafficking, trafficking for adoption etc. We request the public to be vigilant.
Reema Naik, PI, Women Police Station