1,014 cases of child abuse reported in 2010

One thousand and fourteen cases of child abuse were reported to the Family Services Division in 2010.{{more}}

The number of reported cases of child abuse in St.Vincent and the Grenadines is a cause for serious concern, says Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Familiy Affairs.

He noted that the figure stood at 380 in 2008, but increased by 40 in 2009, taking the total for that year to 420.

On Tuesday, March 29, at a ceremony to launch Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, Stephenson painted a grim picture of the challenges that confront the nation’s children as he unveiled data compiled by the Family Services Division.

During the period 2008 to 2010, the records show that the reported cases of sexual abuse stood at 118, physical abuse 272, abandonment 336, child neglect 174, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse 284, and non maintenance 630.

Stephenson said child abuse can be defined as any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation. He said it is also an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

Explaining the nature of child abuse, Stephenson said it comes in many forms, namely: sexual abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment and non payment of child support.

“Within recent times there has been much outcry about our young boys or adolescent males allegedly being subjected to sexual harassment and molestation. Whether or not there is any truth in these allegations of such an inhumane nature, we are morally obligated to fight ardently to prevent any attempt to treat disparingly our nation’s children.

“It, therefore, means that each family in our society must seek seriously to inculcate high self worth, high self esteem, and moreso some form of spiritual guidance into the minds of its members, especially our children,” said Stephenson.

He challenged the public to protect and rebuild the family, considered the most important institution in the society.

The Child Abuse and Prevention Awareness Month activities includes a march and rally today from Campden Park Playing Field and the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, which will climax at the Victoria Park, parents and students oriented workshops in communities across St.Vincent and the Grenadines, a children radio quiz on NBC daily for two weeks, and a Family Day on April 28.