Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Crimes against women continue to be a major concern in Goa, with the State recording over 3,000 cases of assault, intimidation, and harassment against women and citizens over the last five years.
Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated that from 2021 to 2025, a total of 3,040 such cases were reported. While hundreds of cases are registered every year, conviction rates remain relatively low, raising questions about deterrence and timely justice for women victims.
According to official data, 570 cases were reported in 2021, 642 in 2022, 607 in 2023, 627 in 2024, and 594 in 2025. Convictions ranged from zero to 16 cases annually, with conviction rates fluctuating between 8.43 per cent and 52.63 per cent in years where figures were available. A large number of cases are still pending trial or under investigation.
The Home Minister said several safeguards have been put in place to protect women complainants and witnesses. Women-related complaints are handled by trained women police personnel in a confidential and victim-friendly environment. Immediate risk assessments are carried out in sensitive cases, and victims are provided medical, legal, and counselling support through coordination with NGOs, Victim Assistance Units, and One Stop Centres.
In view of recent incidents involving tourists and women, the government has also tightened oversight on bouncers and private security personnel at clubs and tourist establishments. Dr. Sawant clarified that bouncers have no policing powers and any harassment, intimidation, or use of force against women will invite strict legal action. Their functioning is regulated under the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA), 2025.
To further strengthen women’s safety, the government has deployed Pink Force vans, set up women help desks at all police stations with round-the-clock female staff, activated the women’s helpline 1091, and launched self-defence training and awareness programmes across schools, colleges, and community groups.
The government reiterated that ensuring the safety, dignity, and confidence of women remains a priority, even as concerns persist over low conviction rates and delays in the justice delivery system.
