A blot on Goa’s reputation

Goa does claim that it is safe for women, but then, data is now revealing a chilling story that is contrary to what we have all believed till now. At 13.3 rape cases per lakh of population, Goa has the highest rate of rapes in the country, and 61 percent of the rape survivors were minors. The rate is more than three times that of the national average of 4.3 per lakh population.

Further, Goa also had the highest number of rapes involving minors at 8.1 per lakh of population, while the conviction rate stood at a paltry 9.4 percent, and pendency of cases at a high of 91.2 percent.

What do these statistics tell us about our state that has regularly received awards for its achievements in different fields?

For starters, it negates the image of the state, a tourism destination, as being safe for women and children. The fact that these crimes involve minors, that perpetrators in many cases are individuals known to the survivors, highlights that sexual abuse is also prevalent within social, familial and community circles and is not necessarily an external threat.

But, there also exists the argument that statistics don’t reveal everything, that they often hide some important facts. Admittedly, we cannot ignore the fact that reporting of crime — sexual offences or others — could be far higher in Goa than in other states, that leads to the elevated statistics. It’s quite possible that sexual offences do not always get reported to law enforcement. Goa’s high literacy rates and awareness definitely contribute to higher reporting of crime and FIRs being filed, besides the relatively small population can also lead to a disproportionately high rate per lakh of the population.

However, that does not mean that we should find solace in the fact that our crime reporting is higher, and attempt to sweep this data under the carpet. The aim should be to reduce this further, if not eliminate it completely.

Yet, there appears to be almost an acceptance of this data by the people, in general. In Goa, as seen in recent weeks, if somebody speaks about another religion, there is outrage and there are protests. In Goa, if somebody attempts to convert land, there is outrage and there are protests. In Goa, if there is a project planned that somebody deems unsuitable for their village, there is outrage and there are protests.

Where is this same outrage and protests when Goa gets the ignominious distinction of having the highest rate of rapes in the country? Added to this is that a majority of the rape survivors are children. Aren’t we concerned about them? For, not even that appears to have stirred the consciences of the people. It’s almost as if we have anesthetised ourselves to such news.

How can the state now hide this shame that has been splashed across all media? Very simply, it can’t. There is no fig leaf to hide behind, and so, Goa has to act.

Goa, despite the low conviction rate, does boast of a high crime detection and arrest rate, but mere policing is not preventing crime. This indicates that Goa requires structural interventions beyond policing to address the root causes of sexual violence and the specific protection of minors in the state.

Goa has to keep its citizens — especially its women and children — safe. This is not just about its reputation being at stake, it’s about the safety of its citizens. Questions can be asked, as they are being raised, but besides answers, there is also a need for action. Mere statements of being safe aren’t enough, it also requires that the citizens feel safe.