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Last Updated: Mar 18, 2021 - 12:37:34 PM |
Members of the Child Protection Committee Wednesday (March 17) hosted a Press Conference announcing details for the observance of the 2021 Child Protection Month of Activities. The conference was held in the Hearing Room of the Department of Physical Planning. Pictured (from left, lower level) are: Ms. Anne Edwards, Assistant Director, Department of Social Services; Dr. Novia Carter-Lookie, Co-Chairperson, National Child Protection Council; Ms. Phedra Rahming, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development; the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; Ms. Kim Sawyer, Acting Director, Department of Social Services; and Ms. Deborah Smith, Moderator, along with Members of the Child Protection Committee. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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Nassau, The Bahamas – The number of child abuse cases that occur locally can be drastically reduced with just one telephone call, one word, from persons across the various communities even at the risk of being perceived as the interfering, nosey neighbour, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell said Wednesday.
A 29-year veteran of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Minister Campbell said the more people know that criminal matters are likely to be reported, the less likely they are to commit them.
“Children are not asking for much – just our unconditional love, our time, our compassion, our sympathy. They demand our attention, our acceptance, our affirmation. They deserve to be treated with kindness, to be free from abuse, to be protected by family and those around them.
“It is not enough to know that child abuse is against the law. We must speak out against it; we must become involved by preventing and reporting it. Child Protection begins with us, one voice at a time; one action at a time,” Minister Campbell added.
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, addressing Wednesday’s Press Briefing held in the Hearing Room, Department of Physical Planning, Aventura Plaza. The theme for the month is: ‘Child Protection Begins with Us’ meaning every individual citizen shares responsibility in fighting the scourge. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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Addressing a Media Briefing held in advance of Child Protection Month, 2021 (Child Protection Month is observed annually in April), Minister Campbell based his address on the 2021 theme: “Child Abuse Prevention Begins with Us.”
“Child abuse prevention has to begin with us when we speak out against the physical abuse of children,” Minister Campbell said. “Sadly, many witness the anguished cries but say nothing. They are aware of the slapping, the burns, the punching. They see the welts, the bruises, but view the actions as a parent’s right to treat their child in whatever manner they see fit. Moreover, they condone the physical punishment as the only effective means of discipline and feel that the more severe the punishment, the better and more effective it is. After all, they say: ‘It made me a better person and I did not die.
“Child abuse prevention has to begin with us because if we know of a child who is being sexually abused, either by a relative, a stranger, a church member, or anyone else for that matter, we cannot sit idly by and allow a child’s life to be forever changed.
Child abuse prevention begins with us when we speak out against verbal abuse, against child abandonment and all other forms of ill treatment of children. We can stop the abuse with one word; with telephone calls to the Child Protection Unit and/or the National Hotlines; by becoming involved even if we are viewed as the interfering, nosey neighbour.”
Minister Campbell said children have the right to a happy childhood; to a life of love, nurturance and protection.
“They deserve to be cared for and given the dignity and respect of which they are worthy. They should be allowed to play and to engage in activities appropriate to their ages. They should not be stifled, but allowed to express themselves in an open and respectful manner.
The Social Services Minister applauded those members of the general public who have been partnering with child protection officials by reporting alleged cases of child abuse to members of the Child Protection Unit, Department of Social Services, and by calling the National Hotlines. One hundred and sixteen (116) cases of alleged abuse were reported via these methods in 2020.
Other forms of reporting, Minister Campbell said, can be done via Walk-ins and written referrals from other agencies; students can inform teachers or guidance counselors, or Faith-based Organizations can report observations of abuse.
“I invite persons residing in our communities across The Bahamas to join my Ministry; join the Department of Social Services, inclusive of our Family Island Offices; the National Child Protection Council, the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Unit, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Urban Renewal and our other stakeholders and partners as we continue to efforts to reduce the number of cases that occur in our country and as we host various events and activities designed to bring even greater public education and awareness to our efforts, while increasing our partnerships.
“Child abuse prevention has to begin with each and every one of us because no longer can we sit by in complacency and say nothing; nor can we passionately raise our voices, decrying the awful abuse against children if we are not willing to convince ourselves that the change has to begin with each and every one of us, and that we must follow through with decisive action.
“As President Nelson Mandela (former President of South Africa) so fittingly said once: ‘There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul, than the way in which it treats its children.’ It is my hope that these words resonate with all and that my message causes self-reflection and Call-to-Action,” Minister Campbell added.
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