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August 17, 2004
Bid being made to eradicate child abuse
Bahamas -- 'Operation Protect Our Children' rally set
By TAMARA McKENZIE,Guardian Staff Reporter
Child abuse cases in 2003 rose to the highest in the past 13 years with 642 cases being recorded. So far this year — up to the end of June — 297 child-abuse cases had been reported in New Providence.
According to statistics issued by the Department of Social Services on Monday, the types of abuse include: Sexual abuse, physical abuse, incest, verbal abuse, abandonment, neglect and care and protection.
Launching the "Operation Protect Our Children" rally, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, Melanie Griffin, said more needs to be done to ensure that the nation's youth remain safe. She said in The Bahamas there are too many cases of child abuse, kidnapping, neglect and abandonment.
The rally, being held in conjunction with the National Child Protection Council, is scheduled to begin 4 p.m. Aug. 29, at R. M. Bailey Park.
Mrs Griffin admonished parents to ensure their children are prepared mentally and can protect themselves from perpetrators of abuse. She said as thousands of students return to the classroom on Sept. 6, the Ministry of Social Services is placing more emphasis on safety of the nation's youth.
Mrs Griffin pointed out that many young children walk to school without being accompanied by a parent. She stressed that parents should ensure that the route taken is a safe one, and would not attract perpetrators. She added that working parents should notify a trusted neighbour when their child is expected home during the day.
"Parents should also check, periodically, with their children via the telephone and have a set time that you expect your child to be home and remain in constant contact with the child," she advised.
Mrs Griffin said her goal is to eradicate harm and abuse of children. She mentioned that her ministry is cognizant of the number of back to school functions being held, but the "Operation Protect Our Children" rally is the opportune time to raise the awareness of safety amongst parents and children. She recalled that in days gone by, children felt secure and comfortable walking home from school, but such days are gone.
The Social Services Minister said in too many cases community support has eroded to the point where parents must now focus on child protection measures. She stated that the Ministry of Social Services and the National Child Protection Council feel compelled to constantly spread the message of safety and security for children as a major part of their "Operation Protect Our Children" initiative. The operation was launched by the Council in Nov. 2003.
The "Operation Protect Our Children" rally will feature brief inspirational remarks from Tarahan Mackey, The Bahamas National Youth Ambassador; marching bands and a Junkanoo group.
The Ministry of Social Services will give a charge to the children as they prepare for school and gift bags containing safety tips for parents and children, along with other information and surprises will be distributed, according to the ministry.
Busing has been arranged from six locations throughout New Providence to and from R. M.. Bailey Park. These include: The national center for the performing arts, Elizabeth Estates police station, Clarence A. Bain building, City Markets parking lot, opposite Southern Recreation Ground and the Golden Gates Shopping Centre.
"I take this opportunity to encourage all parents and guardians in New Providence and their school age children to join us in a show of strength against those who would seek to harm our children. It will be an afternoon of information and entertainment," Minister Griffin said.
A similar rally will be held on Sept. 3 in Grand Bahama, as well as on various Family Islands. In addition to the "Operation Protect Our Children Rally," the Ministry of Social Services will also commence a mass media campaign, to advise children and parents on what steps to take to ensure their protection, also steps the public can take to report cases of child abuse.
Posted by Nealus at August 17, 2004 08:13 PM
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