Neglect tops the list of 241 reported cases of child abuse

Two hundred and forty one cases of child abuse were reported in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in 2023, with officials noting the high number even as under-reporting of abuse continues to be a big challenge for law enforcement and social workers.

The disclosure was made by case worker at the Child Protection Division, Camille McIntosh, during a recent RoundTable Talk panel discussion hosted by VC3. A breakdown of the reported cases showed that neglect and abandonment topped the list with 43 percent of the cases; sexual abuse accounted for 37 percent; physical abuse, 17 percent; and three per cent was psychological abuse.

McIntosh noted that the “reported numbers are really high” and the cases range from infants to teens.

“You have reports coming- from babies months old, up to age 17 plus. It is not a particular group because any child can be abused, it is about the child or someone coming forward.”

McIntosh said while those who are categorized as mandatory reporters including teachers, principals, doctors, nurses were taking their responsibility seriously, many people were still failing to report cases of abuse.

“The parent or guardian who ought to have known…that the child was in need of care and protection and failed to report, you would find that the perpetrator

lives right in the home or is known by the family so they want to keep it hush-hush and they don’t want the

child to report, so they would keep that child from saying certain things to persons so the child wouldn’t be able to report.”

She highlighted a breach of confidentiality as another area of concern, advising parents and guardians that “you don’t have to put it on social media” as this often leads to the child being ridiculed by the public.

Police Corporal in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force attached to the Sexual Offences Unit, Keldon Daniel, said some reports are made directly to the police, particularly in cases dealing with sexual abuse.

“Sometimes children would even report these matters without the knowledge of their parents, especially if the accused person is in a relationship with their parent or living in the same house or close family member.”

Corporal Daniel, in explaining the process of the investigation after the initial report is received, said a medical examination is conducted and interviews done with persons connected to the case. Counselling is also offered to the victim and the State would take action if the child is to be removed from the home.

Corporal Daniel said a major challenge the Unit faces is persons being reluctant to participate in the police investigation.

“We have this issue where people feel that I know the victim’s parents, I know the accused, I don’t want to be involved, I don’t want persons to be angry with me. Your concern should be the truth.”