Harsher penalties for child abuse coming

free prisonerMinister for Social Services, Family, and Gender Affairs, Catherine Daniel, has announced that new laws, with harsher punishments to protect children against abuse, are in the making.

Daniel speaking at the launch of a book on child abuse, on Wednesday, stated that the current laws concerning child abuse serve inadequate punishment to offenders, whom she referred to as “monsters.”

“Maybe the penalties which exist within our judicial system are not steep enough to serve as deterrents to the monsters that are bent on destroying our future generations,” she noted.

She stated that legislation, which will to introduce harsher penalties to persons found guilty of child abuse, are being drafted.

“I am pleased to say that partnerships have been established with the Ministry of Justice to address this and other related issues,” Daniel said. “They are working on draft legislation which will bring steeper penalties to the situation. It’s an OECS initiative, and we will get on board very shortly.”

Advocate for juvenile justice, Magistrate Gloria Augustus, was mentioned as a key person in the initiative.

Meanwhile, she explained that public sensitization by the Social Welfare Division should serve to educate people on child abuse, as well as encourage appropriate reactions to the outrageous actions of child abusers/offenders.

“The Welfare Division has ongoing public education and sensitization programs in that addressing that deeply rooted societal problem. It is so that if people are more aware of the devastating effects of this scourge on our children, we will be less silent, less condoning, and less apathetic about it,” she stated.

Daniel also expressed her hope that this education and sensitization would dissuade the families of the victims who often prevent the application of justice, for their personal gain.

“Parents, in particular, would be less easily persuaded to remain silent, in exchange for financial reward,” she said. “Often, it is the ignorance or selfishness of families, and the apathy of communities which allow perpetrators to escape the full brunt of the law.”

At the event, it was revealed that in 2015, a total of 189 cases of child abuse were reported—128 of which were sexual related matters. Seventy-three cases out of this 189, were children between the ages of 0 to 10. Statistics from 2010 to 2015 show a total of 1,095 reported cases of child abuse in Dominica.

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45 Comments

  1. aangelle
    February 27, 2016

    it was about time. they need to put castration on the books. and cut there hands off. apppearntly they dont not need them

  2. February 21, 2016

    “Does the Ministry have adequate resources to PREVENT abuse?

    The Ministry needs to use the most important resource it has: MAXIMUM SENTENCE :!:

    Then create a few more like:

    (1) Mandatory reporting of sexual child abuse.

    (2) An online registry of convicted sex criminals including, names, pictures, dates of birth, crimes and the sentences.

    (3) Mandatory professional counseling for the victims aimed at (a) healing emotional hurt, and (b) voiding problems later in life. Too often the abused later becomes an abuser. Other problems also sometimes erupt later in life: inability to relate to others, problems with alcohol and or drugs, depression,
    and suicidal thoughts, etc.

    (4) Mandatory professional counseling for those convicted of sexual child abuse.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  3. Viewsexpressed
    February 21, 2016

    Rev. Hill, I agree with you 100%. This is a country and government disabled with knowledge and ideas of how best to address the situation. Changing laws, threatening new laws is Not gonna solve let alone address the problem. There must be a belief and theme behind any initiative, which is the protection of our children.
    Like it or not the churches, schools etc all have a role to play. There is nothing wrong with religion, it those who deviate from its principles who create more issue. The bible make reference to the protection of all children, we are the ones who fail, not the churches nor bible.
    In each of us there is something which guides us, and for the majority of us it is religion but not without its weaknesses, as human beings we are.
    I however do not feel that this DLP government is equipped enough to understand the bigger social issues of Dominica, it is moreso emotions. They are a fast food operating government with much talk as obesity presents itself.
    God Bless

  4. Anthony P. Ismael
    February 20, 2016

    I am not optimistic about this at all. It’s been going on for too long now. Change is evolutionary and not revolutionary. If we cannot protect the most innocent and vulnerable amongst us, who or what are we as a nation?
    Where is the religious community? They’re busy obsessing about insignificant issues while ignoring our children. Each and every Dominican must make it their business to stand up for what is right and protect each and every child on the island.

  5. Caretaker
    February 20, 2016

    I always knew we are godly,beautiful,handsome because we all are god creation. when you accept now for now, there are always loopholes This is a sensitive subject and,to do something right and to last long, we need ,Planning; Assembly; and labor. WHEN Christopher Columbus crews started a mutiny, he said “give me my men, “but” three days. So time is of essence. Like I mentioned before this is taking place in private and unless we report it, the public won’t know. Those who get away with it before good luck to them but now Peter pay for Paul. we are on it now and there will be no hiding place.

  6. Tanker
    February 19, 2016

    Stop wasting people time, the departments protecting who they want and convicting who they want. So long i tell them about a police that was in Soufrier station that was taking his woman daughters and nothing have been done yet plus it have one or two underage in the village he was taking and as i understand is all he doing for a living and his wife and friends protecting him..

  7. February 19, 2016

    I am interested in Dominica because I have friends who have visited the island, and family members who would like to visit. I look forward to including it in my next Caribbean trip. For over three years I have been a daily reader of DNO, and as you know a frequent commentator.

    From those holding office in the government and also in NGO we have heard again and again that things were about to change in the way sexual abuse cases are dealt with. Promise after promise is made that there are going to be harsher penalties for convicted sexual child abusers. Again and again we hear the mantra “Plans are in place.” Yet the years roll by and nothing ever changes. But I can tell you what IS happening. (1) People are losing more and more confidence in both the government and the courts. (2)
    Anger is rising to such a dangerous level out there it is downright frightening.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

    • Viewsexpressed
      February 21, 2016

      Rev. Hill, I agree with you 100%. This is a country and government disabled with knowledge and ideas of how best to address the situation.

  8. Lang Mama
    February 18, 2016

    I am fed up too and it makes me sick to my stomach when grown ups use all kinds of fancy foot work to avoid dealing with the problems head on. We know what needs to be done. To many Dominicans who ought to know and do better let down the people who depend on those who know and can do better.
    We pretend that there is no problem when there is.
    Every time we get a unfulfilled promise for more stringent legislation more kids get abuse yet some people refuse to call the legislation out on their failures. This is not a farmers boat, promise of hotel, international airport, tablets etc. These are our children for goodness sake.
    Not even that guys like Hill, Augustine, Thomas etc can stand up for? Got to be kidding me

  9. keepingitreal
    February 18, 2016

    little toys for big boys..thats why thoes in power have dragged their feet for so long

  10. Possi usa
    February 18, 2016

    From most of the comments here it prints the picture as Though it is a men child molester we have going on..please wake up and smell the coffee..there are lots ofthe . Woman child molesters out there..some are having their first sex experience on their little brothers / sisters. .I have been a silent victim.

  11. thinker
    February 18, 2016

    what about parents who have children who are of age to attend school and willfully keep these children at home?Is there a law for that? What is the roll of welfare division in this one?

    • February 19, 2016

      I thought then government would make it mandatory to have your children in school.

      To keep a child out of school without a good reason is a form of child abuse even if it is not legally recognized as such.

      I would be suspicious of parents who did not have their child/children in school. Are they afraid the kids will be talking to the other kids? Are they afraid a teacher will find something out about their parents or home life?

      It is an important thing to get our children started on the road to a good education, and help them all we can to prepare academically for the life before them.

      It is a moral obligation!

      More so it is a sacred trust!

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  12. peeping
    February 18, 2016

    When Girls turn into Tomboys some people get mad but in a sense it helps them defend themselves. I wionder if some of the people who make the laws have hearts. Soo Loing we have been hearing. Its just more talk and talk. when will action take place, Are we afraid of bringing on such laws hhmmm I see! Bravo.

    There is a big God above and I am sure he must be saysing ‘why are the people I have put in place to lead taking so long to protect lives in better manner and punsih the criminals with stiffer penalties?’

    We have heard child advocates and event people associated with the courts larment that something is wrong somewhere. :Lets pray that the laws be enforced speedily and by the way it should be acroiss the board eh please. All and sundry

  13. Victim
    February 18, 2016

    I am 28yrs right now, i have been a victim of molestation at the age of 5, it still bothers me at times. Now that i have an 8yr old daughter wat must i think or do? I am over protective of her the man right now is living his life happily with his wife and children huh. Wen i see him i hang my head still scared. So tell me how much wait again. Who knows if he isnt still doing the same thing to other children still. To tell u the truth my daughter is the one preventing me from dealing with him. Smh. I took 6months counciling and i still cant let go. Lesson to learn a child future is at stake, idk wat to say or do so that child will forget this.

    • Dominican
      February 19, 2016

      Protect your daughter and pray pray pray. He will get whats coming to him in time, he cannot escape this. Be sure to tell your child she is old enough to know

      • Tanker
        February 19, 2016

        while you listening to your daughter and not exposing him he is there destroying someone else or many others so protect those you know because if you hide it your daughter will hide it to when it happens to her. expose the pig.

  14. Tired of assness
    February 18, 2016

    With all dew respect mam, while ur plans are on its way another child is being molested right now. So idk if ur plans stop somewhere and pong beff or if it ship sank but in the mean time i pray dat my daughter will never be a victim, because i will do wat i have to and i dont give a f**k about law. Maybe den u will realize the dept of this. :wink:

  15. Caretaker
    February 18, 2016

    Rule 1. no one gives your child anything directly. If feels to give the child something you pass it through the parent. (2) IF YOUR CHILD have something, you need to know who is it coming from. This is not a public matter it is private therefore, the child has to know the person before hand. No softy words like uncle,cousin,nephew etc. Mr. or miss, so and so.Children don’t like strangers they are usually scared of them unless they are with parents. Trust no one,,believe no one, and don’t get involved. There is no need to talk against it for, it is every body’s business We must unite on this one.

  16. come on save our chirldren
    February 18, 2016

    i am feed up to hear these people responsible to punish child molesters make excuse

    • Face the Facts
      February 18, 2016

      I suppose you meant “fed-up.”

  17. From My Conference Room
    February 18, 2016

    Ofcourse! The waiting has been too long. There are men molesting young children and sometimes all the courts give them is two or three months in prison and community service. Those same pedophiles come out of prison and are living their normal lives with their families while the child remains affected for life. better late than never.

  18. Lang Mama
    February 18, 2016

    I read a comment by the Rev Donald Hill and after reading the comment it struck me that it is people like Donald Hill and other moral guardians who under their watch allowed the moral decay and the resulting wanton abuse of our children in Dominica. Donald did not offer one bit of solution or suggestion to help eradicate child abuse.
    Religion as Donald Hill would know uses fear to control human behavior – the B.S concept of eternal hell fire and damnation for our “sins”, the BS threat of choice that religion uses to keep human being in line. In addition governments impose laws / regulations to guide the behavior of citizens- another system of human control.
    Donald Hill avoids making any recommendation for legislative intervention that would save our children from abuse. If he does, it could be interpreted as a criticism of his favorite politicians in office. Donald we all know who have the tendencies to abuse boys. Stand up you hypocrite and be the man you claim to be.

    • Face the Facts
      February 18, 2016

      Your comments depict your mind is totally screwed up. The devil is helping you along. It appears you are a non-practicing Christian. Were you not a baptized Christian and a once practicing one?
      Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” This also means you cannot speak intelligently that others might learn something good from..
      Some of you blame religion when you have only yourselves to blame for the state of affairs in D/ca and occurrences. You do nothing but make nonsensical comments and criticize which bear no good fruit.
      You are one of those to be blamed. Furthermore, when you attack religion, you are a heretic. If in your ignorance you are not aware of it, know that God who know, sees and hears all things and whom nothing is hidden from, noted your words which you will pay for in time.
      Our Lord said: “By your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.

    • Face the Facts
      February 18, 2016

      You reside in Dominica. You should be one of the first to make recommendations and ever eager to do so. As a national, you are not exonerated. Do your part.
      Keep being radical and making nonsensical comments, idle talk. It will get you nowhere. What will be your lot when you die?
      Trying to be miss goody two shoes? Judge yourself. Attacking and judging people you do not know is the height of ignorance and wickedness. This is a great fault of some people as you. One day you will pay the price. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen

      • February 19, 2016

        I call it as I see it. I don’t subscribe to your religion, your political inclinations nor your attitude of self righteousness. I am the sob of a free man and so I am frèe. You can sentence me to your hell or place of condemnation but you choose to glorify and venerate scum.Why should I even want to go where you think you are going. If living a life of double standard is what you think is your ticket to where you call paradise then surely I am not going there with phony hypocrites like you. I am comfortable traveling the opposite direction. My conscience is all that I need. As I travel my own way I try to be good to others and will continue to call a manikoo a manikoo

    • February 20, 2016

      “Donald Hill avoids making any recommendation for legislative intervention…”

      This is absolutely untrue. If you research my DNO comments you will see I have written often about the need for more severe penalties. I have also repeatedly spoke of the need for a law making it mandatory to report cases of child abuse. I have said many times you need a registry of convicted sex offenders.

      My articles and essays have been published in over 40 newspapers and magazines in Canada and the U.S.A. I have preached on both Canadian and American radio, and on Canadian television. I have conducted evangelistic crusades in Canada, the U.S.A. the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe.

      The reason I do not say more about the laws and justice system in Dominica is I am not a Dominican, and do not live on the island. If you do your homework you will see I have made some very strong statements.

      • February 20, 2016

        Continued …

        DNO ADMIN has the option of accepting my comments or cutting me off. So far they have been gracious. If they terminate me I will respect that decision and still love Dominica!

        But Lang Mama, for your own sake please don’t say I have avoided making any legislation related recommendations. My work in this field is known internationally. You will lose credibility.

        Please visit our website http://www.livinghopeministries.ca

        Click onto ARTICLES. Read my article THINGS THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN.

        Click onto SERMONS. Listen to my sermons THE NEW BIRTH, and ETERNITY IN THEIR HEARTS.

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist. :-P

  19. Rat Poison
    February 18, 2016

    “Minister for Social Services, Family, and Gender Affairs, Catherine Daniel, has announced that new laws, with harsher punishments to protect children against abuse, are in the making”

    Check the last four words of this sentence- “ARE IN THE MAKING”

    This government might as well be referred to as “Are in the making” or “plans are in place” administration. You ask Skerrit about money and national bank, and he will “plans are in place.” You ask the minister for agriculture about market and he will say, plans are in place. You ask Austrie about Petro Caribe and response is “we have things in the making…” I mean “plans are in place” or plans “Are in the making” is all you get from this administration after 16 years. It reminds me of their dead baby called “Geothermal”, where all their plans for DA was on “Geothermal, geothermal, geothermal…

    PLANS ARE IN PLACE GOVERNMENT, yet nothing is falling in place

    • Face the Facts
      February 18, 2016

      It could also be said, they are being prepared. Other words could be used.
      You should know as this is being done, prior to completion, meetings and discussions will be held to establish the legality of it and that no stone will be left unturned for prosecution of these perpetrators and those who harbor them by not bringing them to justice or tampering with the wheels of justice.
      It will be a legal document. You should know they cannot merely opt out and quickly prepare it in a haphazard manner and legalize it. It must be a perfect one and that there will be no errors and loopholes for anyone to take advantage of.
      I visualize it will not be an easy one to prepare. Give the authorities time to prepare it. At the same time they must not dilly-dally over it. Once it is satisfactorily completed, formally signed, sealed and legislated, the public will be informed about it.

      • Viewsexpressed
        February 21, 2016

        Rev. Hill, I agree with you 100%. This is a country and government disabled with knowledge and ideas of how best to address the situation. Changing laws, threatening new laws is Not gonna solve let alone address the problem. There must be a belief and theme behind any initiative, which is the protection of our children.
        Like it or not the churches, schools etc all have a role to play. There is nothing wrong with religion, it those who deviate from its principles who create more issue. The bible make reference to the protection of all children, we are the ones who fail, not the churches nor bible.
        In each of us there is something which guides us, and for the majority of us it is religion but not without its weaknesses, as human beings we are.
        I however do not feel that this DLP government is equipped enough to understand the bigger social issues of Dominica, it is moreso emotions. They are a fast food operating government with much talk as obesity presents itself.
        God Bless

  20. espanol bebe
    February 18, 2016

    ebeh… I will wait …

  21. cameron
    February 18, 2016

    Great news castrate them,and also the ones that are being deported from the US should also be registered sex offenders,i have no remorse for these bastards.

    • Face the Facts
      February 19, 2016

      For human rights reason, they cannot be castrated unless they request it. How many will? If they resided in a non-democratic country visualize what will be done to them.
      You should be aware, one of the reasons crimes/murders increased it is because the democratic countries are too lax. Some of their attorneys successfully defend them. It is a shame that these countries cannot curb or eradicate crimes.
      It is shocking that crimes have increased in the democratic world. Criminals appear to have more rights than the victims. We now know one of the reasons. God is patient!!
      I recall this conversation about the deportees to D/ca and the suggestions to the Police Dept. I am wondering when they return to D/ca what steps are taken to place them in an accommodation and keep them under scrutiny. Do they ever receive counseling and rehabilitation?
      It appears a lot has to be done in this field. Provide your suggestions as well and get others to do likewise.

    • Face the Facts
      February 19, 2016

      For further information, I heard on the Toronto News that there are 500 cold cases – unsolved cases in Ontario since 1959 to today. This is shocking and scary. I thought it was for all of Canada. Imagine how many of them for all the eight Provinces.
      The information will be placed on the Internet.
      Some of those criminals may have died and there are obviously some of them who are still living and may be traveling all over the world and may be our neighbors. Some may be residing in the Caribbean and elsewhere. They commit crimes/murders and then disappear.
      Once in a while the police are fortunate to catch one and solve a case. This is why the police worldwide need the assistance of nationals who can provide vital information so that they are apprehended.

    • February 19, 2016

      It is not only a pervert’s testicles that react to his nasty habits but also his brain,i think these people should be hanged or sentenced to life imprisonment ,nonetheless while they are in prison they should work to supply what ever they are in need of.

  22. Observer
    February 18, 2016

    I know we are part of OECS, but do we have to wait on the collective initiative to place steeper punishment on child abusers? Especially sexual abuse? How long have we been call for steeper punishment? How long have we been saying that parents/guardians should not be allowed to obstruct justice by being payed off by those criminals by those criminals and stopping the case? Furthermore, I think, like here in the US, a sex predator registry should be developed, and the pictures of those criminals should be posted! Project our children!

  23. Possie
    February 18, 2016

    Great News,
    I would really like one of the penalties for such an offence be the “cutting of penis” of these MONSTERS.
    If the law will not do it, I WILL NOT blame anyone for taking such action!

    • BEB
      February 18, 2016

      I think u are referring to “castration”

    • Lead singer
      February 18, 2016

      What if one of the offenders is a politician you like? Would you sing the same song? Just asking ok, because I have no one in mind

      • Face the Facts
        February 19, 2016

        The politician or others in authority should know better. They will have to pay the price of their action. This may deter them.
        Ever since the Canadian Law, Toronto for that matter penalizes men of all for child sex abuse, I hardly ever hear of it. They know what the cost is and it is imprisonment which they will not escape from.

    • Face the Facts
      February 19, 2016

      An eye for an eye? :lol: :lol: :lol: We wish.

    • February 20, 2016

      Castration is extreme and cruel punishment.

      Raping a child is also extreme and cruel.

      We are not recommending mandatory castration. Let it be left to the discretion of the judge. It should be on the table for repeat offenders.

      For first timers it should be a maximum sentence. Let maximum be maximum :!: No more of this nonsense of not wasting the court’s time, etc. No time off for “good behavior”. The level of anger out there has now risen to the place where a man found guilty of sexual child molestation is safer in jail.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  24. Music Producer
    February 18, 2016

    We need more Karate schools for children in D/ca, so children could learn to fend off these arse wholes!

  25. Sakwe Gas
    February 18, 2016

    Can we get a time frame? Can we get specifics on how the budget for prevention has changed in recent years? Does the ministry have adequate resources to help PREVENT abuse?

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