A new club has been formed at the Convent High School and it will be tackling the issue of child abuse, which has been a matter of discussion in Dominica.
Members of the club, “We are United for Children,” say they are outraged by child abuse especially when young children are sexually abused by pedophiles, or when underage teens are exploited by older adults.”
They are also encouraging members of the public to report cases of child abuse to the authorities.
“We stand with survivors of child abuse and say ‘be strong, be courageous, do the right thing and report child abuse,'” members of the club said. “We are encouraging people to get help in reporting or information about support by calling 1-800-744-3629 (DNCW). However long ago it was, it still helps to talk.”
Members of the club are inviting members of the public to walk in solidarity with them on Saturday morning to raise awareness of child abuse and encourage reporting.
The walk, which is described as non-political and non-denominational, will begin at the Bay Front in Roseau at 8:00 am and end at the Gazebo in the Botanic Gardens where speeches will be delivered by the young people of the club.
Other speakers will include Tina Alexander from Lifeline Ministries, Tina Alfred, Dominica’s Queens Young Leader just back from Buckingham Palace and The Carnival Princess, Rayne Benjamin.
T-shirts are available for EC$15 from DNCW office at King George Vth street and will also be available on the Bayfront from 7.30am on Saturday.
The club is being supported by Josephine Dublin, Delia Cuffy-Weekes, Tina Alfred and Tina Alexander, the NGO Coalition for the Protection of Children and Youth and many corporate partners.
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, with about 80 percent categorized as sex abuse.
I am glad to see there is at least some awareness of this in Dominica. While I lived there, I was shocked at the way people treated their children. The physical and verbal abuse was unbelievable. I don’t know about sexual abuse, but sex was such a huge deal that it wouldn’t surprise me. Sex and fighting seemed to be the only excitement available then. Rise up Dominicans and join the ranks of “thinking” people. Be kind to your children and by respecting them and yourself, they will learn to respect others.
The noted increase in sexual child abuse calls for the extended increase in the effort to combat this evil.
It is encouraging to see both veterans and young people rally to the cause at NEW COVENANT HIGH SCHOOL, along with corporate partners. One can expect a healthy increase in your ranks. These are not just names. They are there to make their commitment known and their presence felt.
It has been suggested that every school should have a designated qualified person any student can talk to in confidence if she or he has a problem with inappropriate behavior on the part of another individual in or outside the school. It could be the principal, a particular teacher, a counselor, or a nurse, or another trustworthy person who is available and can be reached when needed. The students should KNOW that person is there for them.
Sincerely. Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist. (Pastoral Counselor Certificate)
It’s Convent High School, not “New Covenant”.
Steve:
We were both wrong!
The name is NEW CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL.
It is not
NEW COVENANT HIGH SCHOOL
or
CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL.
But thanks for correcting me. I need to be more careful.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Keep fighting! Our children needs protection.
Good Topic but sensitive subject: and it all boil down to manners; respect and trust. I am of the opinion that these abuse took place in private. A YOUNG PERSON AT HOME, said to the mother, I am going to visit a friend in the Hospital in good will, you return home and report to ammo what happen to you in Mahaut, ammo replied what, you told me you were going to goodwill, what were you doing in Mahaut,oh a friend took me there. You HAVE ALREADY tell me a lie, so why should I Liston to you. The report died immediately. Lack of trust, honesty is the best policy. Help us to help you.
Very confusing comment…..
Nice initiative
That’s good but who is going to take notice of them when the abuser are made here’s in Dominica
This is amazing. Everybody tackling child abuse and abuse of women except the authorities. T . they refused to raise the bill in parliament for whatever reason. Good Job CHS. Keep it up.
I wonder why…?
Well, they know why………