Report CHILD ABUSE
Child abuse is one of the most gruesome acts of violence that could be perpetrated against our children. In 2011 alone, there were more than 5,000 reported cases of child abuse in Jamaica. Those figures were even more alarming for 2012 surpassing the 8,00
If you know, or even suspect that a child is being abused, you have a responsibility to protect that child by putting a stop to the abuse. Here’s what you should do
Report the matter to the Child Development Agency - 948-7206-2, Office of the Children's Registry - 908-2132, Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) 926-7318 in the Corporate Area or Police 119. The police will launch an investigation and, if necessary, the matter will proceed to court. Persons may also call the CISOCA office in their parish. Remember, when making a report you are not obligated to give your name.
If you witnessed the abuse firsthand, you might be asked to give your name. You can still opt not to do so.
If, however, you are giving a statement, you will be required to sign the written statement in the presence of the police officer taking the statement. Note that a statement is given in person at the police station and requires greater detail whereas a report can be made on the phone. While sexual abuse continues to be the most common form of child abuse in Jamaica, the infraction can occur in several ways:
Physical Sexual Emotional Psychological
While emotional and psychological abuse do not figure prominently among the cases reported to CISOCA, Woman Sergeant L. Wright of CISOCA believes the reason for this is that not many people know that this avenue is available to them. Additionally, she says because there are no physical scars, some persons go away believing that matters of this nature will not amount to anything. She assures the public, however, that CISOCA has intervened in these matters in the past and will continue their pursuit of them. She also warned that offences against children are deemed serious and that parents who cover up abuses against their children to protect the perpetrators can face conviction.
STOP THE TEARS... HELP SAVE A CHILD TODAY