‘Must have plan to prevent crimes against women in Goa’

MARGAO: NGOs working for women’s welfare have expressed concern over the numerous assaults on women reported from various public places in Goa, particularly the two cases in Margao and Mapusa.
At a meeting held in Margao on Monday, the organisations demanded speedy investigation of the Margao and Mapusa assault cases and that the progress be monitored by a DySP-level police officer.
They also demanded that victims of violence in the Margao and Mapusa cases be paid compensation for their medical expenses and loss of earnings due to injuries sustained.
They further demanded that the government prepare a plan of action for preventing crime against women and children after consulting the vulnerable population and voluntary organisations working for the welfare of women and children
“Violence against women has made women insecure and unsafe, not just the marginalised group of women, the domestic and foreign tourists, but also the local women from Goa. The organisations observed that migrant families come to Goa to earn their livelihood. Women and children are seen sleeping and bathing on the pavements of the new railway station in Margao and also near the old market circle, which makes them vulnerable to such assaults,” Lorna Fernandes, convener, Goa Women’s Forum, said.
The organisations expressed concern over what they said was a lack of coordinated action between the Goa police, district administration, and other government departments.