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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Bahamas Against Sexual Violence & Child Abuse Hold Demonstration at Rawson Square
By Bahamas Against Sexual Violence & Child Abuse (BASV&CA)
Oct 30, 2014 - 3:39:54 PM
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Rawson Square - October 27th (Photos: Tanya S Maycock)
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Bahamas Against Sexual Violence & Child Abuse held a demonstration for child protection on Monday, October 27 in Rawson Square, making a national call to action. The action was prompted by the October 20, 2014 sentencing of Kendrick Rolle to 5 years in prison for the rape of a 6 year old girl. Members of BASV&CA chanted, "5 years is not enough. Magistrates, toughen up."
A representative of BASV&CA made unsuccessful attempts to contact case prosecutor Basil Cumberbatch last week. An email was since sent to Mr. Cumberbatch, inquiring about his position on seeking an appeal. The group asserts that the sentence is too short, particularly given that Mr. Rolle is a repeat offender. He was fined in 2001 for indecent assault of a 13 year old girl.
Members of BASV&CA and supporters stood in Rawson Square from 5 to 8pm with signs that read "We need more than Marco's Law" and "Stop abuse. Stop rape. Speak up. It's not too late."
Several protesters addressed the crowd and passersby, sharing personal stories, leading chants, and encouraging victims of abuse to report the crimes and seek counselling at Bahamas Crisis Centre. They also called upon perpetrators and potential perpetrators to turn themselves in and seek the help they need.
Protesters evaluated the existing judicial system and identified several areas of neglect. One protester pointed to the need for a facility for juvenile offenders. Others questioned Marco's Law and when it will implemented. They called for a sex offenders registry. It was also noted that survivors often have to face their abusers every day because, upon release, perpetrators are allowed to return to the same neighbourhood.
"Treatment, rehabilitation, and monitoring of all perpetrators of violence should be automatic. We need to focus on prevention as well as rehabilitation," one protester said.
BASV&CA urged bystanders to intervene when they witness or become aware of child abuse. Reports can be made to the Child Protection Unit at 242-397-2550 during business hours.
“Statistics show that one in every three women around the world have been abused at some point in their lives," said event coordinator, Terneille Burrows. “Violence against anyone is not funny. The issue of violence against our children and women should certainly not be tolerated. We need our leaders to step up and make serious changes to the laws to better protect those at risk,” she was quoted in saying in a Tribune article.
“We need more than just a sex offenders registry, we need the government to take it a step further and add an element of psychiatric assessment. Persons found guilty of such crimes need a lot more than just fines and jail time, they need serious examination to get to the root of their thinking,” said Burrows.
Bahamas
Against Sexual Violence & Child Abuse is a Facebook group raising
awareness and working toward to eradication of gender-based violence and
child abuse in The Bahamas.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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