Permanent Secretary in the Minister of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, Chandler Hyacinth has raised concerns over the increase in child abuse cases in Dominica.
She was delivering remarks during the release of the Grade 6 National Assessment results held at the Public Service Union Building on Monday.
It has been reported that the number of child abuse cases in Dominica continues on an upward spiral, with sexual abuse once again leading the way.
“Certainly the Ministry of Education is very much concerned about child abuse,” said. “Those you hear in the public is one thing, in our schools, we receive much more cases.”
She continued, “And once the cases come to our light we always work with the necessary organizations to deal with those issues.”
According to Hyacinth, the ministry works closely with the social welfare department and their officers.
“We have our counselors who are stretched all over the island to provide support, not just to the students who may be the victims, but also with the parents,” she stated.
She pointed out that there are programs in place for dealing and providing the necessary support to students.
Hyacinth revealed that in every secondary school there is a counselor or two.
“The challenge is sometimes when you have to work with the parents to get them to work with you and the number of cases that we have to deal with, it’s always a lot and challenging as we work with the welfare department, but certainly we are concerned and we are taking steps,” she stated. “That’s why we have health and family life as a subject throughout the school system, both primary and secondary school.”
Hyacinth stated that it is an opportunity for teachers to sensitize students, “it’s an opportunity for us to work with students so that they feel comfortable bringing in their cases.”
Furthermore, she made mention of parenting programs available at the schools.
She said the ministry also has to work with the police as well.
“We want to encourage the parents to work with the police, work with the welfare department, work with the schools, because the school system cannot work on their own,”Hyacinth stated.
She added, “Many times we need community support, because sometimes when we are looking for persons to question them, whether it is the welfare or the police, we need the community support.”
Meanwhile, Hyacinth called on parents to look out for their children.
“Sometimes they allow the children to do things and they encourage them to be in that environment where they are harmed,” she remarked. “And we had a number of cases showing up on the google classroom including physical abuse by persons who are not the children’s parents.”
I can’t remember exactly the year. But, approximately 5+ years ago, a civil servant at the Child’s Welfare Department revealed on radio that the said department was being overwhelmed with sexual abuse cases of minors. In fact, she was crying out for more resources to stem the number of incidents to no avail.
Look where we are today. The number of cases has more than quadrupled. Obviously, when she passionately implored the administration to do more they ignored her cries.
A stitch in time saves nine. This regime procrastinates on most things except those that bring them personal riches. Their failure to act in a timely manner is having devastating consequences on the country. This specific problem is a glaring example. The Roosevelt ‘s kakistocracy has been an existential threat to Dominica.
When a Parliament and police are not acting to arrest this child sexual abuse in the country then we really have a problem. The Attorney General couldn’t wait to chant down the CCJ yet is MIA on the issue of violence against the vulnerable members of society. The President of Dominca is also silent on such a shameful situation that I wonder why is he there if not to be a father figure and show he cares about the children. The Bar association is not concerned and if they are haven’t come out vociferously for the sake of the children. The church community hasn’t shown much fervor to galvanize the matter to epidemic status. In other words who really cares? It’s a damn shame that in this day and age we can’t see the country doing everything through it’s various sectors, public and private, to bring this hurt to children to heel. Where is the collective resolve? A statement here, a statement there isn’t going to stop this cancer in the country. Stop it now for God’s sake.
As usual, your advice and suggestions are so relevant. In any country, the president and prime minister should lead from the front on issues affecting the country. They have the bully pulpit. They have the power and authority. When they talk the whole country listens.
On this most troubling and egregious issue of sexual abuse of minor, these two are deafeningly inaudible. Why?
Roosevelt and his cabal noisily, and without merit, attack the CCJ, the opposition, peaceful marchers quite regularly. But on this most harrowing subject their lips are tightly buttoned up.
This regime is comprised of the worst of Dominica – simpletons, gluttons, villains, charlatans, rogues, tyrants, despots, narcissists. On reflection, how can we expect useful things from useless people?