Assistant Superintendent of Police, Claude Weekes believes that Dominica’s justice system should move more quickly when dealing with child abuse cases.
He was speaking at a panel discussion during the Annual Men’s Rally that the Methodist Church held recently.
It has been reported that child sexual abuse continues to top the list of reported offences against children on the island.
“I am telling you that you must be careful how you treat our children,” he stressed. “You must look out for them and that is why it pains me as a police prosecutor, even as I prosecute men and women for abusing children in a professional way, I always believe that the justice system should expedite these matters a bit quicker.”
He continued, “A child cannot be sexually abused and it takes six and seven years and eight years before the case is called…”
Weekes added, “It hurts me and pains me when we have adults and parents who take hush money to kill cases. You are prostituting your child…”
The panel discussion was held under the theme: “Men Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence.”
On July 28, while delivering remarks during the 2022-2023 National Budget, President Charles Savarin raised concerns over the increase in the number of reported cases of child abuse in Dominica.
He revealed that data obtained from the Social Welfare Division indicate a 20% increase in the number of reported cases of child abuse over the past two years, ranging from sexual abuse, incest, teenage pregnancy, neglect, and physical abuse, “child sexual abuse being most prevalent throughout the years with a significant increase in the number of reported cases of neglect and physical abuse.”
Utter nonsense Mr. Weekes. I cannot take you seriously when the Sunday pedo was never charged with solicitation of a child for sex, and is still allowed to pollute Dominican airwaves with his perverted self.
ASP Weeks is on top of the ball.If the virtual complainant is bribed there is nothing the police can do unless the person receiving the bribe make a report to the police of the bribe.All the complaint have to do is,do not make a court appearance.The defendant lawyer will then ask for the case to be thrown out for lack of evidence.In Canada in such cases of child abuse,once the case file is completed the child does not have to make an appearance.We should pass those laws in Dominica to protect children.There are lot of cases where the complainant does not show up and the case is thrown out.Serious cases like shooting with intent,wounding and GBH.Child abuse should be different.
You are completely right sir.
This selfish, wicked, predatory and abominable practice usually results in irrepairable collateral damage to victims and their families.
Alot of victims are permanently damaged and scarred and usually struggle to navigate through life in a seemingly callous world where perpetrators are rarely held accountable.
Sadly, some victims ultimately wind up perpetrating similar acts or exhibiting other destructive behaviors which compound matters.
Shame on all those who abandon the victims’ right to justice by conspiring to shield the dirty criminals from prosecution. More public outcry is needed to expose this devastating scourge that continues to be a blight on our nation and humanity.
Let us pray that God will comfort and heal all victims while each and every perpetrator is exposed and held accountable.
The truth, should be welcome. Clearly needs to be Revisited and Reset. A. S. P.
DNO, the headline of this article needs to be changed. Did child abuse take place at the Methodist men’s rally or was it mentioned by Superintendent Weeks as an issue of concern in society.
ADMIN: Thank you, we acknowledge your point. The headline has been changed.
Tell them like it is comrade.
You see, when people like you exhale the authorities always believe that you are against them. Instead of listening to the message and stop attacking the messenger they seek to destroy you. But, who jah bless no dictator or his minions can destroy or curse. Your extreme tough upbringing made you the rock that you are so hold strong and keep on representing. Blessings on you always.
I think your headline is a bit… misleading
Give “Jack his Jacket!” That’s an old proverb. And you sir deserves your jacket right now. You have been consistent with your words and actions relating to this nuclear disaster that our children must endure at the hands of adults who are charged with their care. Sexual abuse against minors has to be the worse form of abuse that a minor can suffer. The lasting trauma, blaming the victim, not to mention lack of qualified professionals on island to provide therapy for those affected is part of a nexus of evil that too many of our children are forced to deal with. Keep up the good fight. One strong voice is much better than 100 weak ones.
ASP Weeks is in the force long enough to know a child abuse task force should be created to go after those criminals.A few years ago a task force was created to remove the Spanish prostitues and deport them from Dominica.
Hello and good afternoon my people. Well Mr Weekes you are the prosecutor and a ranking member of our Police Force so why don’t you seat down with our president and the Court Administrator to stream line the process. Murder and Rape are two of the most aggrevious crime there are and once an arrest is made in such crimes it shouldn’t take more than one your for a trial. You saying people pay bribes to the victims and their families so if you know that why don’t you arrest the people that are paying the bribes. It’s your own words so solve the problem if you know it’s happening. You can start by redirecting land issue Civil cases from tying up the Judges calendar. Four years now an in court where someone try to steal my mothers land and I can’t get a court date. Fix this broken system.
Tony, if memory serves me well, civil matters have nothing to with the police except in cases where warrants need executing or summonses are to be served for the high court because by law they are mandated to execute. So your problem lies in the hands on Blackmoore, the Chief Magistrate, Attorney General and your attorney.
Hello , it’s the same Judges that hear the Civil Cases . I received one court date and when I came to Dominica from New York they postponed the case because the judge was assigned to a Murder case trial. I wasted my time ,money and vacation days for nothing.
I’m in full agreement with the law enforcement officer on this very vexing issue of child abuse. The relevant authorities must not only talk about it but put tangible measures in place to drastically reduce this scourge of child exploitation and endangerment.
This has been happening for much too long and getting worse by the day. I see no new initiatives and strategies in place by the present administration to combat this heinous crime.
However, we must not leave it up to the government alone to do something. It is the collective responsibility of all of society to fight it.
These child sexual abuse cases should be dealt with swiftly by the court, and the harshest sentences should be meted out to the perpetrators (mandatory 25 years for unlawful carnal knowledge).
I agree with ASP Claude Weeks 100% .We as parents should declare WAR on those child abusers.When those criminals are convicted a 8×10 coloured photo should be displayed in the charge office of every police station.
While most endorse what ASP Weekes said and the President of Dominica spoke about it.
In his position as PRESIDENT OF DOMINICA what has he done to curb the situation or stop the rise. Matters like this when this perpetrators are arrested, the matter should be in the hands of the law the judiciary and not the family saying WE DON’T WANT TO CONTINUE .
ASP Weekes hearts of to you. Brave man from LES POINTE. They have kept you down and to hush you. Preach the abuse COMRADE, who the drops fall on that’s their business.