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Last Updated: Aug 16, 2018 - 10:17:33 PM |
Child Abuse Prevention to Take Center Stage
In a move to stamp out the exploitation of children, Bahamas Against Crime is hosting a conference to address, and hopefully, arrest this issue of grave concern.
“The high level of crimes against children and the exploitation of children in The Bahamas is cause for great alarm,” said the organization’s executive director, Rev Dr C.B. Moss.
“This is particularly true in the area of criminal activities, workplace ill treatment, sexual abuse and human trafficking. The magnitude of the problem is greater than publicly acknowledged.”
The conference is set for September 13, at the British Colonial Hilton. It will run from 9am to 4pm.
It takes place against the backdrop of a string of sexual assaults on young girls reported earlier this year.
On April 28, a six-year-old girl was sexually assaulted off Baillou Hill Road. In May, two 12-year-old girls suffered a similar experience within days of each other, resulting in a 15-year-old boy being brought before the courts and charged with unlawful sexual intercourse in those matters.
“We want to bring a wide cross section of stakeholders from Nassau and the Family Islands together to discuss this very serious problem and also to better inform the Bahamian people,” said Moss.
According to the latest statistics available, those released by the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development during Child Protection Month in April, suspected cases of child abuse matters stood at 460 in 2017. That number represented physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect, incest and abandonment.
“The exploitation of children has very serious national implications, to this end, we invited Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, other Cabinet ministers and national leaders to participate along with very knowledgeable technical persons and other interested individuals,” said Moss.
Minister of National Security Marvin Dames is tapped to deliver the luncheon address on behalf of the prime minister. Representatives from the Ministries of Social Services and Urban Development, and Youth and Culture are expected to bring remarks. Persons wishing to attend the event are asked to contact Bahamas Against Crime at 325-4357, 328-8984 or email revcbmoss@hotmail.com. The registration fee is $25 with brunch and lunch included.
To allow for wider public participation Bahamas Against Crime will host a candlelight vigil later that evening beginning 7pm at Rawson Square.
© Copyright 2018 by thebahamasweekly.com
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