CCB concerned Bajans not speaking up about child abuse

The country’s child protection agency is concerned about the under-reporting of child abuse and the high number of physical and sexual abuse cases involving minors.

The Child Care Board (CCB) is hoping to break the silence on the scourge as the island observes its first ever Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in April, under the theme Speak up, Speak Out, Report Child Abuse.

According to Director of the CCB Roseann Richards, reported cases of child abuse last year stood at 489, including 114 for physical abuse and 115 for sexual abuse – a slight increase over 2020 when there were 476 cases of reported child abuse, of which 111 were physical abuse and 106 were sexual abuse.

In 2019, there were 529 cases reported.

Richards said the April 1-30 month of activities is designed to draw attention to the issues and encourage individuals and organisations to play their part to make Barbados a safer place for children and families.

“April is a time not just to observe, but to support the critical role that communities play in reporting child abuse. Everyone’s participation is crucial,” she said, noting that providing parents with positive support, developing social and emotional competence of children, and giving children a voice are among the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and prevalence of child abuse and neglect.

Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month is scheduled to kick off on Monday, April 4, with a launch hosted by Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Warrens. (SD/BGIS)