Protest calls for the end of child abuse

The protesters want to see an end to all types of abuse
The protesters want to see an end to all types of abuse

Concerned Dominicans who have taken a stance against abuse, especially child abuse, stole the limelight for two hours with their neon and multi colored posters on the E.C Loblack Bridge on Friday in a silent protest as they made it clear their position on the matter.

“Stop sexual abuse!” “Put a stop to sexual assault!” “No excuse!” “Break the silence!” were some of the messages clearly communicated during the event.

It was attended by students, members of the Bureau of Gender Affairs, members of the National Youth Council (NYC) and others interested in putting an end to child abuse and other forms of abuse in Dominica.

“We are participating in a silent protest to raise awareness of child abuse, domestic violence and a number of other issues particularly child sexual abuse,” General Secretary of the NYC, Delroy Williams, told reporters.

Williams pointed out that in recent times there has been a rise in the numbers of child sexual abuse and domestic violence cases on the island.

“So it’s very important, as a society, we respond to those situations and one of the ways we are responding as a community, as a non-governmental organization, as a respectable Dominicans is to make sure that we protect our children and one of the methods of doing that is to have this silent protest this afternoon,” he said.

He noted that hundreds of Dominicans are making thier way in and out of Roseau and the event will “basically show them that there are people who are concerned about children and children’s welfare.”

When asked whether this kind of activities are hitting their mark Williams responded, “Even if it is one child that is basically being saved, the impact will go throughout the rest of the island.”

He said similar activities are being planned across the island.

“We are hoping to have a petition signed and presented to the prime minister and the relevant authorities in an effort to change laws to ensure that our society is more responsive, is more proactive as we look forward in protecting our children,” Williams said.

He also called for the establishment of a child molester’s registry so Dominican can be “aware of who the criminals are among us are and we can protect our children even better.”

Meantime children’s advocate, Gloria Walsh who was also part of the protest, said she is speaking for those children who were either silenced by their abusers or their parents.

“The reason why I am here is because I have seen, not what people tell me, I have known of cases where children are being abused,” she stated. “And some people just walk away.”

She said abused children are being threatened and they are afraid to speak out.

“So I am there now to add my voice and to those that are silenced especially the children that cannot say anything because of fear,” she said.

abuse protest

 

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37 Comments

  1. June 18, 2014

    These brave young people should be congratulated for having the courage to protest.

    My own country (Canada) has the same problem, and other problems, so please don’t think I am sticking my nose in Dominican affairs. I am addressing the problem of sexual child abuse as a social problem that is world wide.

    God bless you young people for taking a stand and raising awareness. Your message has reached me.

    Some parents are to blame. People who know of abuse taking place and do not report it to he police are at fault. Every country should have a law that makes it mandatory to report every known case. Under motivated police officers, and spineless judges are also at fault.

    At the end of the day IT IS THE MEDIA that must hold these people accountable. We need brave editors and strong investigative reporters who will dig out the facts. Far too many cases even with supporting evidence get lost (?) in the paperwork and never get to court. We need newspapers, radio, and T.V. news announcers. to tell the public – the citizens, the tax payers, the voters – WHEN a case will go to court, or WHY it did not go to court! The public wants to know what the VERDICT was, and what he SENTENCE is! But especially the people want to know what happened when a case disappears from the radar and we don’t hear of it even going to court. There have been very serious cases reported that we have never heard anything more about. These were not cases that lacked evidence. It was the way they were handled.

    It is the media that must step into this gap and contend for justice. Our newspapers, radio, and T.V. news people have so much to offer in the war against this – the greatest evil of the 21 century – by holding the necessary people accountable.

    You CAN make a difference!

    Do it and history will honor you.

    Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

    Former Licensed Private Investigator under the Province of Ontario in Canada. License No. 142306. Last year expired date April, 21, 2010.

  2. April 14, 2014

    Send the message loud and Clear hope those appeal judges in the appeal court are listening

  3. D Williams
    April 14, 2014

    join the movement on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standupdominica

  4. NicE n NaughtY
    April 14, 2014

    STOP CHILD ABUSE PERIOD keep protesting until you all are heard.

  5. born dca die dca
    April 13, 2014

    oh all well and good to protest child abuse but u all have the p[people children standing in the middle of the road in tragic putting peoples children in danger ? how is that any better than child abuse those teachers should know better than that this behavior is appalling

  6. Big-Banan
    April 12, 2014

    We should start by banning corporal punishment as a tradition we learnt from our slave masters. If we cannot have dialogue with our children instead of Besting them we should not have then . If we cannot teach a class without beatings we should find another job. Quit those old slavery barbaric practices that abuses children alt

    • Sparkle
      April 14, 2014

      Aplodi people can get out and show they love the children. They should be very careful with law they want to make that it doesn’t increase abizé. Big-Banan has the first and best idea, “banning corporal punishment as a tradition we learnt from our slave masters.” It is fear and terror and néglijé that make children and adolescents ripe for predators and stupid, and it is unthoughtful laws that make children and adolescents valuable “commodities.”

  7. Don't care
    April 12, 2014

    One question. With people like dc love among us where are we heading to as a nation? It’s a damn SHAME. :(

  8. For Richer Or Poorer
    April 12, 2014

    I saw a recent news clip where a young mother let her two young children in a her car in the hot sun and went or a job interview and returned two hours later.

    A passerby called the authorities; she was charged and her children were taken away. Is that constitute as child abuse?

  9. April 12, 2014

    c’est tres bien pour l’ile

  10. servant of God
    April 12, 2014

    We need more people like me to stand out and take it to the next level by going to court to protect a child,.
    We am requesting for amendments to the laws against child abuse,

    REAL SITUATIONS IN DOMINICA

    A 16 year old girl with a baby and a sixty year old waiting outside the hospital to see the baby.
    A 16 year old with a baby and two young men outside the hospital waiting to see the same baby, both claiming that the baby is theirs.
    A 16 year old with a second baby and no father is appearing because it appears to be the step fathers’s baby.
    A sixteen year old girl reporting to the police herself of sexual abuse by her male teacher and the mother making out of court agreement with the teacher.
    A sixteen year old girl with a baby and the mother is saying ” I do not want welfare to be involved because the guy took responsibility.
    There are many more……

    WHERE ARE THE FATHERS?
    MOTHERS STOP STOP CONDONING THE ABUSE OF YOUR CHILDREN. STOP IT STOP IT.

    THE LEGAL SYSTEM I CALL ON YOU , PLEASE ACT AND STOP TALKING. ‘BITE HARDER’ SO OTHERS CAN LEARN.

    THE WELFARE SERVICE NEED MORE “TEETH”

    1. Mothers and fathers who pervert the cause of justice of their own children by making out of court arrangements should be charged
    2. parents who cannot give an account of the where about their childrens should be charged.
    3. harsher penalty for child abusers
    4. all males who own up for babies delivered by children should be arrested and charged, whether they may be the father or not., They would claim only because they had sexual intercourse with the minors.
    5 There should be a special court for child abuse cases so that those cases can be dealt with speedily.
    6. Age of consent should be 18.
    LETS STOP TALKING AND ACT AS I DID AND SAVE THE LIFE ONE LITTLE GIRL AT A TIME.

  11. Positive vibration
    April 12, 2014

    The turnout was very poor… When you turn a cause of national concern into a party politics tool, people will be divided. Why did the organizers ask participants to wear BLUE? Isn’t WHITE the color of innocence?

  12. Kylie
    April 12, 2014

    Great effort. And additonaly we need a NATIONAL webiste on which the photographs and addresses of the convicted abusers are posted for ALL the general public to see. We walk among these creatures not even konwing who they are ( most times) unless they come from our neighborhood, town or village. legislative systems of Dominica and government systems what are you all doing?

  13. youth observer
    April 12, 2014

    Good job Delroy . however we must break the silience and stand up and speak. I wonder why some NGOs and other Gov’t Agencies who work closely with the youth were not involved

  14. roots/da
    April 12, 2014

    Any concerned and caring national , citizen , resident, and visitor alike , should help make a difference in whatever way possible , combating anything destructive to the young children , especially this giant , C. S. A , child sexual abuse . A child may be overworked , forced labor , and in anger slapped or whipped indiscreetly , which no one should support anyway , but when it becomes a sexual issue , it’s a complete different story . So , now that the call is urgent , it is time to act and get involved . Thanks NYC and Associates , and all who participated in the march . It may have been silent , but deep.

  15. roots/da
    April 12, 2014

    Any concerned and caring national , citizen , resident, and visitor alike , should help make a difference in whatever way possible , combating anything destructive to the young children , especially this giant , C. S. A , child sexual abuse . A child may be overworked , forced labor , and in anger slapped or whipped indiscretely , which no one should support anyway , but when it becomes a sexual issue , it’s a complete different story . So , now that the call is urgent , it is time to act and get involved . Thanks NYC and Associates , and all who participated in the march . It may have been silent , but deep

  16. Simply the Truth
    April 11, 2014

    Abuse comes in these forms, sexual abuse, emotional and physically abuse.
    Did you also consider religious abuse? Not taking the children to church. Some not having them baptized and depriving them of the grace of God.
    Holy Scripture: “Do not deprive anyone of the grace of God.” Read also the writing of St. Paul. Our Lord said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not prevent them ….”
    Some parents do not go to Church. Some co-habit, having a partner out of wedlock, some having a few of them. They also live against the Commandment of God and the religious teaching of the Church. Consequently, they are devoid of the blessing and grace of God on them and on their family.
    As you protest and rightfully so on behalf of the children, the vulnerable young in D/ca’s society, do not overlook that there is “spiritual abuse”, not leading your children to God and denying them of this spiritual opportunity.
    How many parents, fathers and mothers go to Church and with their children, as a family?
    Moral and spiritual examples in words and deeds commence in the home. If parents do not honor their obligation to their children, this could lead to other abuses, not only from them but from outside forces. This is worth contemplating on.

  17. ioooss
    April 11, 2014

    Doc.Love Hope you are not one. Good job Miss Walsh, time to get reed of them abusers.

    • Simply the Truth
      April 11, 2014

      “rid”

  18. jo
    April 11, 2014

    . they doh want to change de law because is they self that breaking the law . is those in authority that molesting etc. check chances those children still not safe. allthose in the the ministry etc in their gong and otherwise looking like they can b trusted they r they ones so they will not c the need to change it because their balls will b cut too. allu u think they stupid. allas but God will help us. those that playing like they are a father to many children, giving them things for school, helping with homework and checking their computers for them and so on they abusing those children and those that going thru puberty and do not know what that feeling is about and how to control it, those men abusing them, fathers, uncles cousins teachers friends etc. God know who u r and what u all doing, Govt do not want to change de law because they too in it but jah go crail allu. *tears :( *

    • Simply the Truth
      April 11, 2014

      You have generalized and placed them all in one category. This is not fair. You really do not know who is abusing their children or the children or not. Therefore, comment based on what you know and not on general accusations or speculations.

    • Anonymous
      April 13, 2014

      True that

  19. Zorpafeb
    April 11, 2014

    Doc. Love, while I agree with you Dominicans need to protest against the governance of our country, you could try to be a little sensitive about child abuse. This is the future of our country, our innocent children.

    • Simply the Truth
      April 11, 2014

      Give the government time to respond.

  20. Zorpafeb
    April 11, 2014

    Good work today but not great. Let’s make it grand and loud. Silence means consent to these dogs. That’s what the perverts want, silence. Already society is hiding them. Get all schools, youth, parents, the media, the churches, everyone to participate, make it big and real loud on a Friday morning in the streets of Roseau. That is when the masses are needed. Then you would have sent a clear message to the law makers and the law breakers.

  21. Apple Zebra
    April 11, 2014

    I salute the students, the Bureau of Gender Affairs and the National Youth Council and everyone else who took part in the protest to bring an end to sexual assault and sexual abuse, especially against innocent children. Let’s continue to protest until the changes we want to see take place are implemented.
    Special thanks to Ms Walsh for standing in the place (gap) for those children who have been threatened into silence.

  22. shaka Zulu
    April 11, 2014

    I applaud u folks. Keep the protest until those incharge start enforcing laws on books and fixing the broken ones. This trancends political boundries and is a problem. If the law cannot protect our children then we will do it ourselves by any means neccesary

  23. Lu-Belle
    April 11, 2014

    So many folks don’t know what “abuse” means. They confuse discipline with abuse. Education is needed to instill a sense of respect for each child’s humanity and value as a human being. The feelings of owning your children must change … as well as owning your wife or husband. Nobody should ever be abused either physically or mentally.

  24. Morihei Ueshiba
    April 11, 2014

    Dominicans look at Egypt, look at Taiwan, wake up and protest against this Govt before it is too late and we get like Cuba.

    • DEL
      April 12, 2014

      This is about child abuse not politics. Give it a break.

  25. Observer
    April 11, 2014

    Please note that Child Abuse is not only Sexual Abuse. As a society we have to protect children from all forms of danger – which is Child Abuse. Recently I witnessed a biker with a child (by my estimation not older than 5). This child was at the back of the Bike not holding the riding but with her hands holding the side of the seats. It was appalling to see that!!! I was in total shock! Who is protecting this child from such dangerous actions. Apparently from my discussions with other persons this is the practice of the biker. Apparently the authorities turn a blind eye to this. Cant the Police or Welfare personnel stop this very irresponsible reckless behavior to protect the child? I am against child abuse at all levels. This was total endangerment to the child.

  26. Dominican
    April 11, 2014

    Doc. Love stick to the topic nah. Oh my goodness man! Politics has it’s place! We’re talking about child abuse here.

  27. Doc. Love
    April 11, 2014

    Concerned Dominicans should not only protest against child abuse but also against the Governance of this country. Enough is enough, time for a change is far gone.

    • StupidMe
      April 11, 2014

      Stick to the subject mate and throw your support behind the cause. A lot of us grown men stand idly by or even participate in chasing after these young girls we consider to be “ripe”, but want to kill somebody if we find out it’s our daughter or sister.
      We’ve got to change the way we look at things and stand with our sisters in solidarity. We’ve got to become aware as grown men that this ain’t cool or face punishment by the law if we don’t want to hear.
      Peace.

    • Anonymous
      April 11, 2014

      Dockie! Have you any idea what love means? When you find out, can you endeavour to imbue yourself with it and share same with these abused children?

    • jo
      April 11, 2014

      doc love mmmm is that name those child molesters using we doc love they say they r. watch out . no wonder he wants to tray from the topic

      • Simply the Truth
        April 11, 2014

        ‘stray”

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