CHILD ABUSE REPORTED ON THE RISE

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You & Your Family

Monday, 04 June 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St John's - Today Antigua & Barbuda joins the rest of the world in observance of the International Day of Innocent Children – Victims of Aggression.

In recognition of this day the Citizens Welfare Division has issued a statement delivered by Senator Malaka Parker, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs & Local Government.

The statement includes a statistical digest showing reported cases of several types of child abuse in Antigua & Barbuda. The figures show an increasing trend in reported cases of four types of child abuse: physical, sexual, neglect of the children’s basic needs and neglect of children’s educational needs.

A total of 595 cases of these four types of child abuse have been reported in Antigua & Barbuda between 2006 and 2009. Significantly, the statistics indicate that the number of reported cases of child abuse has increased by 140% during that period.

While this may indicate increased public awareness of child abuse and greater willingness to report observed abuse of children, it is a given that the reported statistics do not capture the full extent of the problem. Much domestic abuse, of adults as well as of children, takes place behind closed doors and is never reported.

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In her statement Senator Parker issues a call for citizens of Antigua & Barbuda to recognize our national imperative, as a progressive nation, to make the world safer for our children.

The full text of Senator Parker’s statement follows.

The Citizens Welfare Division, and the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs & Local Government, joins the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNCEF) and other countries in the world to observe June 4 as the International Day of Innocent Children - Victims of Aggression.
 
Children continue to fear and experience violence in every country of the world. It must be emphasized that violence cuts across all social, cultural, religious and ethnic lines.
 
The Citizens Welfare Division in the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs & Local Government and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda have taken a zero tolerance stance on violence and abuse against our children whether at home, at school or anywhere our children may be.
 
We call on all parents and guardians to recognize that when there is violence in the home, even if children are not physically abused themselves, they will often witness the abuse of an abused parent.
 
Many children of abusers are scared of the abuser, and will often exhibit problems such as 'acting out', at school, and many other symptoms which may reveal themselves over time.
 
Besides being traumatized, these children are much more likely to be abusive in their own relationships when they are older, as that is what they have had modeled to them by their parents.
 
The time has come for a united front to dramatically end this fatal cycle in our homes and in our society.
 
The Citizens Welfare Division in the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs & Local Government acknowledges and wishes to call national attention to child victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse, and affirms its full commitment to protecting the rights of all children.


 
This issue is a real, and strikes at our core philosophy as a nation and as a people. In Antigua & Barbuda between 2006 and 2009 there was a combined total of 595 cases of abuse (Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Neglect and Educational Neglect).

* May-December 2006.
** Neglect: Failure to provide for a child’s basic needs e.g. Supervision, medical attention.
*** Educational Neglect: Failure to have a child educated.
 
NB. There are other case types, but these are the main types of child abuse.
 
We at the Citizens Welfare Division in the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs & Local Government consider the abuse of even one (1) child unacceptable, and urge society to become extra vigilant and proactive in protecting our children.
 
Let me reiterate that there is no excuse for abuse. If a child talks of being abused, take him or her seriously.  You can help with the prevention of child abuse.
 
If you suspect or know that someone is abusing a child, call the following organizations for help:
 
The Citizens Welfare Division – 462 4402
Child and Family Guidance Centre – 462 2082
Directorate of Gender Affairs - 462 3990
Friends Hotline – 800 821 4357 (HELP)
The Criminal Investigation Department – 462 3913/4
Sexual Offences Unit - 562 5730
Crime Stoppers – 800 8477 (TIPS)
 
We can work together to make a safer world for our children! This is our imperative as responsible citizens, as a progressive nation.
 

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