The Goa police have decided to make human rights and gender sensitisation a part of permanent training for State police, both at the recruitment level as well as existing police at all levels, announced Inspector General of Goa Sunil Garg on the occasion of International Human Rights Day celebrations here on Wednesday.
He was addressing a gender sensitisation programme organised by State police where top police officials interacted with women’s collectives and others to share their grievances with police over the issue of violence against women.
Sabina Martins of Bailancho Saad, a women’s collective told the meet that there was a rise in cases of violence against women, particularly domestic violence. Nelly Rodrigues, Chairperson of south Goa Zilla Panchayat said cases of domestic violence are on rise in south Goa and the State mechanism was not helpful as Block Development Officers dealing with such cases are overburdened with other duties and consequently ineffective in giving justice.
Asserting that safety and security of women would be one of the top priorities of State police, Mr. Garg responded to various suggestions and concerns expressed by women who came from different parts of the State.
Mr. Garg announced a series of measures like self-defence training classes to be conducted by State police for girls of colleges and higher secondary schools across the State, programme for gender sensitisation of police personnel at various ranks, etc.
He announced an email ID exclusively for women, "womenhelp.goapolice@nic.co.in" for women in distress to lodge their complaints or for complaints to higher ups in case police officials fail to register a victim’s complaint.
The women’s groups and volunteers can also send suggestions regarding police protocol for victims of domestic or sexual violence.
By December 19, Goa Liberation Day, Mr. Garg announced that all the police stations across the State will have a women’s desk.
He also announced that police will document all data about operators of rent-a-bike, taxi operators with verification, detailed photo ID to be counter verified from Department of Transport of this tourist State.
