PETER F. BORGES
What would you do if your child became a victim of online exploitation? Would you immediately report it, seeking justice and protection, or would fear, uncertainty, and stigma hold you back? These questions are not hypothetical—they are the agonising realities faced by families across Goa as the prevalence of online child sexual abuse, especially cases involving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), continues
to rise.
While Goa is known for its progressive laws like the Goa Children’s Act 2003, the state is not immune to the growing global crisis of online child exploitation. Grooming, sextortion, and the production and circulation of CSAM are increasingly common threats in Goa’s rapidly digitising communities. Yet, a disturbing trend persists: families often choose not to report these crimes. Why do they stay silent, and what does this silence mean for our children, our society, and the future of Goa?
Why families in Goa stay silent
Families facing the nightmare of online child sexual abuse often grapple with overwhelming fear and uncertainty. Many parents are terrified of the stigma their child might face if the abuse is reported. In Goa’s close-knit communities, where everyone seems to know everyone, the fear of gossip and judgment can feel insurmountable.
There is also a pervasive mistrust in the system. Parents worry about how law enforcement will handle the case, whether their child’s privacy will be protected, and if justice will ever be served. The lack of accessible, child-sensitive support services only adds to their hesitation. Instead of risking further trauma for their child, many families choose silence, believing it to be the lesser evil.
The impact of non-reporting in Goa
The consequences of this silence are devastating. For the child, the trauma of being exploited is compounded by the knowledge that explicit material involving them exists online, potentially circulating indefinitely. The psychological toll of this can be immense, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
For society, the failure to report CSAM enables predators to continue their crimes unabated. Every unreported case allows offenders to remain active, targeting more children and expanding their networks. Goa’s reputation as a safe space for children is at stake when perpetrators operate without fear
of accountability.
Non-reporting also undermines Goa’s child protection systems. Law enforcement agencies rely on reports to identify and dismantle networks of predators. When cases go unreported, these systems are left blind, unable to act effectively.
The role of CSAM in the crisis
CSAM is one of the most insidious forms of online child abuse. It involves the creation, possession, or sharing of explicit material involving children, often through coercion or manipulation. In Goa, as in other parts of the world, CSAM cases are particularly underreported. Families may feel too ashamed or afraid to come forward, fearing the potential fallout for
their child.
However, the non-reporting of CSAM has far-reaching implications. Explicit materials involving children remain in circulation, causing repeated victimisation every time they are accessed or shared. It’s a haunting reality that no child or family should have to endure.
Breaking the cycle of silence in Goa
The silence around online child abuse and CSAM in Goa can only be broken through collective action. Here’s what needs to be done:
– Strengthen reporting mechanisms
Goa must ensure that reporting systems are accessible, anonymous, and sensitive to the needs of children and families. Helplines like Childline (1098), Cyber Helpline (1930) should be widely promoted, and local police must adopt victim-centric approaches to handling these cases.
– Build trust in the system
Families need to trust that their cases will be handled with confidentiality and care. Goa’s law enforcement and judicial systems must prioritise child-sensitive training to ensure victims and families feel protected
and supported.
– Raise awareness
Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate parents and communities about the dangers of online abuse and the importance of reporting. Schools, local organisations, and media in Goa can play a vital role in spreading this message.
– Provide comprehensive support
Victims and their families need access to counselling and legal aid. Civil society organisations in Goa can bridge the gap by offering these services and guiding families through the reporting process.
– Strengthen enforcement of laws
While Goa has progressive child protection laws, enforcement remains a challenge. Policymakers must ensure that these laws are implemented effectively and that offenders face swift consequences.
A call to action for Goa
To the parents of Goa: Your fear is valid, but silence is not the solution. Reporting abuse is not just about justice—it’s about reclaiming your child’s safety and future while preventing others from being victimised. Breaking the silence is an act of strength and love for your child and the community.
To policymakers: Goa’s children deserve a reliable and compassionate protection system. Strengthen child protection laws, train law enforcement, and invest in victim-centered processes. Ensure reporting mechanisms are accessible and efficient, and allocate resources to build trust and support for families.
To civil society organisations: Be the bridge between families and the system. Educate parents and children, offer psychological and legal support, and create awareness campaigns that destigmatise reporting. Advocate for stronger protections and stand by families through their journey.
And to every Goan: This is a societal issue that requires collective action. Educate yourself, raise awareness, and challenge the stigma that keeps families silent. Offer support and advocate for better systems that prioritise child safety. Goa has always valued its children and communities. Let us lead the way in breaking the cycle of silence. Silence isn’t safety—it’s complicity. Together, let’s ensure no child suffers in isolation and every family feels empowered to act. Let’s choose action before it’s too late.
(The writer is an assistant professor of Social Work at the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University. He has previously served as the chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights
