The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SOME 300 child abuse cases were reported in the past five years in Grand Bahama, Paula Marshall, assistant director of Social Services, revealed on Thursday as the department announced plans for Child Protection Month.

She said statistics over the last five years indicated that 301 cases of child abuse occurred on the island. Of this, neglect was the most prevalent, followed by sexual abuse, physical abuse and abandonment.

Every April, the Department of Social Services observes Child Protection Month by hosting a number of activities and events to raise public awareness of child abuse and the long-term effects of this problem.

Mrs Marshall noted that child abuse not only impacts the child now, but can also have long term effects that are sometimes carried over into adulthood and can also affect society as a whole.

“If we do not take charge of this kind of situation; if we do not make an effort to deal with it and remediate the problems that come with child abuse, then as a society we all have to pay (the price),” she said.

“So, it is very important that we pay attention to what is happening in the community and make sure our children retain, regain, or obtain a level of safety so they can become the adults they were expected to be,” she said.

Mrs Marshall stressed that there had been a number of incidences in the past year “that has caused the community as a whole to really react in horror in relations to the things that are happening.” She also mentioned the series of child abductions in Nassau that have occurred recently.

She noted that social workers are dealing with child abuse cases on a regular basis in Grand Bahama through referrals that come in to the department. Some matters, she said, are dealt with in court proceedings.

Renamae Rolle Cooper, senior welfare officer, said that a number of activities have been planned to highlight child abuse.

On April 8, a church service will be held at Jubilee Cathedral at 9.30am.

On April 9, an empowerment fair will be held for students from grades seven through nine at the Foster Pestaina Hall at 9.30am. Social workers will discuss pertinent issues such as cyber-bullying, cyber-safety, cutting, substance use and abuse, depression and anxiety.

From April 2-17 social workers will conduct presentations at selected primary schools where they will have more intimate sessions with students on different topics. Other events are scheduled.

“We will let them know what is child abuse; what are good and bad touches; how to report it at and who they should tell and when should they say something,” said Mrs Cooper.