The number of reported child abuse cases increased by almost 40 percent for the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2004, according to Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin, who believes the increase in reported cases may be attributed to her ministryﾴs ﾑaggressiveﾴ public awareness campaign.
According to the Minister, up to May 2005, there were 37 reports of sexual abuse; 85 reports of physical abuse; 19 reports of incest; five reports of verbal abuse; two reported cases of abandonment; and 112 reports of neglect, a total of 260 when compared to the previous yearﾴs statistics of 186.
But she pointed out that the need for greater awareness continues.
“While all acts of abuse are despicable, sexual abuse and incest are particularly horrific and go completely against all that is decent. Men who engage in indecent conduct are villains and are in contravention of the laws of God and man,” she said.
“I wish to appeal to the men of this country to be more vocal in the matter of child protection, particularly with respect to the sexual abuse of children. We need more men to speak to men about their role as protector and provider and to assist where necessary those men who need encouragement and support in fulfilling these roles.”
Minister Griffin, who was contributing on Thursday to debate on the 2005/2006 budget, said her Ministry is helping prepare several bills, including the Child Care Protection Bill.
She also indicted that progress is being made on the Affiliation Proceedings Bill.
Some single fathers in the capital have long agitated to obtain access to their children (born out of wedlock).
Minister Griffin noted, “No matter how distasteful laws may be, they have to be upheld until they are repealed or amended.”
She however added that while she fully supports the right of all children to have access to both parents and a meaningful bond with them, the reality is that there are times when the relationship between parents makes this “extremely” difficult and “often impossible.”
“It does not matter how many laws may be on the books, if parents are unable or unwilling to put their differences aside for the sake of their children, it will be impossible for the best legislation to be effective,” Mrs. Griffin explained.
“I therefore wish to make a plea to both mothers and fathers not to use their children to spite each other. While the affected parent may be hurt from the denial of access or payment of maintenance, in the long run it is the child that will suffer the greatest hurt and damage.”
During her contribution, the Minister also indicated that provisions have been made in the upcoming fiscal year to acquire and renovate the Sir Durwood Knowles Cheshire Home.
Four disabled men were evicted from the home last week after occupying the Dolphin Drive facility for years. The Ministry is reportedly trying to find permanent housing for them as it makes plans to use the Cheshire Home to accommodate disabled children.
Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
