#BTEditorial – Finally, a month of advocacy and action against child abuse

Barbados has for the first time chosen this month of April to draw attention to, and take action against, a scourge in our society still seen as taboo.

April 1-30 is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month under the theme “Speak up, Speak out. Report Child Abuse”

Minister of People Empowerment Kirk Humphrey has rightfully indicated that child abuse continues to a blight on Barbados.

At Monday’s launch of the month of activities, he expressed concern there is at least one case of child abuse reported daily, and at least one sexual abuse case per week.

According to the latest statistics, there were 41 child abuse cases in January – 12 physical, 10 sexual, and 18 cases of neglect. In February, there were 42 cases – 12 physical, six sexual, and 23 cases of neglect.

The overall number of reported cases of child abuse in 2021 was 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.

He said: “Child abuse is really an ugly stain on the character of Barbados and of any society. The reality is that many of us would have heard in many cases of people saying, when a child has been abused. ‘I know that has been happening… and knowing but not saying anything makes you equally culpable.”

Supporting the minister’s statements was the Director of the Child Care Board, Roseann Richards, who expressed concern about the under-reporting of child abuse and the high number of physical and sexual abuse cases involving minors.

She urged Barbadians to break the silence on child abuse and play their part to make society a safer place for children and families.

Richards said: “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.”

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, she added.

The old adage, “it takes a village to raise a child”, is still apt today. In fact, we dare say it takes a village to help stamp out the physical, emotional and sexual abuse we know some of our children face.

As a society, we must confront and destroy the negative attitudes and behaviours that enable the abuse of children.

The scourge is perpetuated by our silence: when we know that a child is being abused and do nothing about it.

There are all types of ridiculous reasons for not exposing this grave ill.

“I brought a child into this world and I can take it out of it”;  “Shut up, you ain’t paying no bills here.” “Oh, never mind, the child is lying or exaggerating, the family name has to be protected, no shame or scandal.” “It is inconceivable that admired Uncle Tom, or Pastor John or Cousin George would do any such thing”. “Take a cash bribe, the child will get over it”. The horrid aphorisms have defied centuries of brutality and bestiality towards the most defenceless of human beings. 

At the core of these practices is the acceptance that child abuse is okay.

Far from being “okay”, abuse leads to children suffering increased fear, guilt and self-blame, among other mental ailments.

All of us at some point have failed to fulfil our duty to the children of this country. We sometimes turn a blind eye, and do not speak out against glaring issues or leave the problem to be dealt with by someone else.  We all can do more.

Humphrey has announced that Government is working with UNICEF to create a legislative framework that would pave the way for mandatory reporting of child abuse.

Said the minister: “This is a conversation that is now existing in draft between the chief parliamentary counsel in the ministry. It is to make sure that we get to the point where reporting of child abuse is no longer optional. You no longer have the right to say I know it has happened but I didn’t feel like talking about it.”

This is indeed a step in the right direction, We all have to be watchful, protective, and speak out about what we know or have seen. No one is above reproach. We must do everything to bring the perpetrators of child abuse to justice.

But a month does not a movement make. Beyond April 30, the true test of the success or failure of this month of awareness and advocacy is a year-round, perpetual commitment to protecting the future of our nation from grievous harm too long enabled by a culture of whispers and shadows.