Panaji: State govt’s victim assistance unit (VAU) has revealed that over the past eight years, around 13% of minor girls who were sexually abused in Goa became pregnant. It said that in that time period, over 1,200 sexual abuse cases were reported, and in some of these, the parents weren’t aware of the pregnancy till delivery.The VAU data indicates that teen pregnancy is most prevalent among older adolescents 16-18 years (60%), followed by those aged 11-15 years (39%), with minimal cases among younger children 0-10 years (1%). The unit only released percentages and not actual figures. VAU coordinator Emidio Pinho said that teenage pregnancy has emerged as a significant area of concern.“The youngest pregnant victim encountered in our work was a 10-year-old child. This calls for greater communication and connect between the families,” he Pinho.He also said that awareness alone does not prevent pregnancy. “What is imperative is knowledge that is delivered early, consistent and by trusted adults in a structured setting. Schools can reach adolescents across class, geography, and family background. Education should start from Class V for both boys and girls. The information should be delivered through one standardised PPT along with case studies,” he added.Pinho said that data suggests that late adolescence is the most vulnerable period for teen pregnancy, highlighting the need for focused sexual and reproductive health education, knowledge and counselling for 16-18-year-olds, while also ensuring early awareness and protection measures for younger adolescents (11-15 years).“This emphasises the urgent need to educate both boys and girls about sexuality, consent and personal safety, to prevent victimisation as well as perpetration. It is equally important to equip teachers as first responders by providing training in basic counselling skills, as well as familiarising them with the relevant laws and institutional mechanisms in place in Goa,” he said.VAU has developed a mobile application for women and children that is accessible on Android devices. The unit says that the application is an easily-navigable platform providing essential information such as helpline numbers, relevant judgments, contact details of authorities, and other important resources relating to women and children in Goa.
