--------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE |
| |
| by visiting this link and following the instructions therein |
| |
| http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Miguel,
You raise some compelling points, and so does Sabina. This is after all, a
very involved issue.
Issue 1: The Goa Press:
It is owned by vested interests. For years they have done the "salsa" on
Goan minds while PRIMARILY PROTECTING their own financial interests. The
OWNERS always supported the ones in position, their own and themselves.
I don't know why ANYONE should expect them to behave any differently now.
What do you think TGF's attack on Goa Journos was all about?
Issue 2: The Abuse of women and of children:
These are real issues. They are also very complex.
(a) What does a woman in Goa do when she is continuously abused? Divorce
the fella ? And then what? How does society treat a woman who decides to say
"enough is enough"? What happens to her children?
(b) Young ladies do get raped. They even get gang-raped. Alcohol is often a
mediated agent. What do the young ladies do immediately after the event?
They just go home and have a bath. They talk to somebody. That somebody
advises them to go to the authorities. There are a series of
"interrogations" . None of them very pleasant . Words change. Timings
change. Stories change. The People's court has a field day while (in Goa at
least) the young lady is sent for one Vaginal Examination after another ...
and that too, by guys who have NEVER been specifically trained or gained
experience in such issues. Then comes the sip sip gossip about Hymens ...and
relevant issues.
And who gives evidence in Court ? Who is experienced enough in DNA and other
Forensic Medicine aspects to argue the case for the victims?
Is it that difficult to fathom the plight of the "victim" in all this
.....and of the falsely accused ?
(c) Children get molested all the time. They get threatened IF they tell
anyone else about "their little secret". Many suffer in silence for many
years until they accidentally tell a teacher or social worker or doctor.
(d) The accusation might be false. The alleged "rape" might have been a
consensual act. Gang rape is never a consensual act, BUT the accusation
might be imagined. It could also be real - but the details fuzzy.
(e) A man can be accused falsely about molesting a child. Happens with very
young children when custody is an issue.
I am sure there are other facets to add to the complexity of this issue.
Issue 3: Women's organizations:
(a) Many women in these organizations are dedicated and concerned
individuals, but some (NOT ALL) are driven by their own personal tragedies &
obssessiveness towards extremism.
(b) There is a total lack of support of these organizations by the Men Folk
- as though this issue of Abuse is a strictly "women's issue".
(c) Sometimes, men with vested interests will drag the Women's Organizations
into cases - but ONLY to make their own (the men's) case.
(d) There are so many problems and so few "workers" that Women's
Organizations get overwhelmed. This is the primary reason why - at times -
their responses are tepid ( as in the Editor's Case) or semi-total (as in
the Ribandar case - assuming that the Women's Group did NOT investigate the
accusation that the NUNS were threatened with rape ).
So, Miguelbab.... you have a point about the disparity in the responses.
BUT, unless you volunteer to support the Women's Organizations and unless
you donate to their causes, I do not know HOW you can expect them to do
more.
There is one final point I will make:
The way the Goa Children's Act 2003 is drafted, I can see MOST cases being
LOST either in the preliminary court presentation or on Appeal.
sincerely
jc
Further Reading:
* Looking Glass 5: a Saint....or a 'Sinna' ? at http://www.colaco.net/
* TGF's reservations about The Goa Childrens Act, 2003 at
http://www.colaco.net/1/gca2003.htm
==========================
From: Miguel Braganza <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Dear Me,
Press protects its kind...and is unkind to the others!
How come this self-imposed restraint now? Get the facts to the people with
the same enthusiasm as the "Art college Rape case" or the advertisements of
the "Good Times" Airline advertisements.
Viva Goa.
Miguel
----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Dear Minguel,
Bailancho Saad did issue a press statement stating that a thorough non
partisan investigation should be carried out AND THAT NO SPECIAL PRIVILEGES
should be given to the accused by virtue of his position.We have also asked
for victim assistance facilities .The Saad has also asked for the
implementation of the provisions of the childrens act which calls for
monitoring child labour
including domestic labour.
The press statement has not been carried by the english dailies.
But as usual the campaign to defend the accused has started by blaming
womens organisations. BEFOR E we even knew about the incident the buzz was
that womens organisations were behind it then it was the turn of the
journalists whowere blamed for the complaint ,the version keeps changing
everyday
We do not have access to the victim as yet as she is under the care of the
govt bodies.However our endeavour is to protect the interests of the victim
.We just hope that she is able to cope with the trauma and is able to
appear for the trial unlike the art college student whose mental health
deteriorated after the incident and could not appear.BESIDES this factor
there are several other
factors which determines a fair trial and delivery of justice.
Sabina
_________________________________________________________________
Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE!
http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1st Young Goans International Essay contest 2005 |
| |
| Theme: WHAT CAN I DO FOR GOA |
| More details at |
| http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/034190.html |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
