Latest update May 14th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 25, 2020 News
Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) within the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Ann Green, announced that a six-month-old baby girl is among 529 reported cases of child sexual abuse for this year.
“During this period of the pandemic, we received a report of a six-month-old chubby baby girl who had to be admitted to the hospital with signs of sexual penetration,” she said.
Green made this disclosure during a feature address at a virtual rally held on Wednesday in observance of Child Protection Week. The 529 cases were reported between January to August, 2020.
According to the CCPA Director, three hinterland regions are registering high rates.
Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has the highest rate of abuse with 4.6 per 1,000 children, Region One with 3.8 percent while Region 7 with 2.7 percent.
Additionally, Green noted that more than 800 cases of child sexual abuse are still at the investigation level. As such, she called for more persons to become advocates of children’s rights and to support efforts to ensure their safe childhoods.
She also called for the establishment of a special victims’ quick response unit in police stations, staffed with specially trained police officers, social services officers including child protection officers, and public health officers to facilitate speedy investigations and bring child sex abusers to
swift justice.
Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud called for families and communities should network to provide safe havens for children to ensure that they enjoy a childhood that is free from abuse.
“Child abuse is a hidden crime; often committed behind closed doors with victims deprived of the ability to tell of the abuse. Children are abused sexually, emotionally and physically. Regrettably, as the world is grappling with COVID-19, children continue to endure indescribable emotional and physical torment. COVID-19 has also severely affected the avenues of reporting open to our children, and many of them are exposed to repeated abuse during this period, “she said
The Minister noted, too, that with the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, child sexual abuse has become the most prevalent threat, which children face.
“The Ministry has, therefore, upped its efforts to ensure that parents are aware of the danger, and are knowledgeable about ways of protecting their children. The Ministry understands the importance of a nurturing family in the development of children. Families need to be educated and supported in their role,’’ Dr. Persaud said.
During the rally, the Minister also reiterated urgent calls for adults to listen and believe children who report any form of sexual abuse.
Director of the Juvenile Justice within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Orin Boston, in his remarks, said the public needs to become more mindful about protecting children.
“Many children and families can become vulnerable. There is need for informal support networks…We need teachers, churches and elders to be on board in the protection of children,” Boston said.
If there is suspicion of abuse, this should be quickly reported he said, adding that there are rapid investigations of child sexual abuse, with measures in place put children in a safe and secure environment.
Boston also advised parents to frequently remind their children about the importance of social distancing and that they should remain indoors during the curfew hours.
Stakeholders including the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, other religious organisations, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also participated in the virtual rally.
Child Protection Week 2020 is being observed under the theme “Breaking the Silence on Child Sexual Abuse.”
At the interim, the Ministry has called for the public to report cases of child sexual abuse to the Childcare and Protection Agency on telephone number: 227-0979.
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