In response to recent press reports about the sexual abuse of children, the Child Development Agency (CDA), Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are collectively calling on more Jamaicans to break the silence on this intolerable violation of children’s rights.
Our agencies highly commend Dr. Sandra Knight for being outspoken about the issue in the April 1 edition of the Sunday Observer. Sexual abuse is one of the most heinous forms of violence against children, which no child should ever have to endure.
The alarming news that greeted the public on Sunday has been a major concern for our agencies for many years. The statistics point clearly to the scope of the problem. The OCR, which is mandated to receive reports of abuse, received 7,245 reports of alleged sexual abuse for the period 2007-2011 (6,789 of them females).
Our agencies have each been working with a range of partners over many years to address this issue, through programmes, policies and laws that seek to prevent abuse and to provide treatment and care for young victims.
The CDA routinely investigates reports of child abuse and works to ensure the safety and well-being of children in need of care and protection. Since its inception, the OCA has been investigating reports of abuse that involve agents of the state, and advocating for key changes in legislation to better protect victims. UNICEF supports a range of interventions at the community level, including the provision of psycho-social care for victims, and also works to influence protective policies at the national level.
Sexual abuse is a complex issue. The work our agencies are doing on the ground and at the policy level is not enough. All Jamaicans, including professionals who work with children, parents, caregivers, the media and the public, must assume their responsibility to protect the nation’s children. Breaking the silence is critical.
Anyone who knows or suspects that a child is being or is likely to be abused has a legal obligation to make a report to the OCR by calling 1-888-776-8328 (PROTECT). Professionals who work with children (‘prescribed’ persons) have a mandatory duty to report abuse. These reports must be made to the Registry, where they are assessed, recorded and referred to the CDA and OCA for investigation and action.
We are committed to continuing our work to address sexual abuse. Currently, the CDA, along with other stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and the Planning Institute of Jamaica, is seeking to establish an Assessment and Treatment Centre to diagnose and treat young victims of abuse. Together, our agencies will make more concerted efforts to ensure sustained interventions at the community level and to expand public education initiatives about sexual abuse and the need to report it.
For more information/interviews, please contact:
- Child Development Agency: Dahlia Cole– Public Relations Officer, Tel: 377-2390; Email: coled@cda.gov.jm
- Office of the Children’s Advocate: Nicole Hayles, Public Education and Special Projects Manager, Tel: 282-4600; Email: nhayles@oca.gov.jm
- Office of the Children’s Registry: Trevesa DaSilva Ashman – Public Education Specialist, Tel: 298-5992; Email: trevesa.ashman@ocr.gov.jm
- UNICEF: Allison Hickling – Communication Specialist, Tel: 279-8339; Email: ahickling@unicef.org
How to report abuse
- Persons who wish to report child abuse may call the toll free number 1-888-PROTECT (1-888-776-8328) or 908-2132, 822-7031 (LIME) or 878-2882, 618-5888 (Digicel) or 631-8933/631-8908 (FLOW) between 7:00am to 11:00pm, Mondays to Fridays. Persons may also visit the Children’s Registry at12 Carlton Crescent,Kingston10 or fax the report to 908-2579 or email it to report@ocr.gov.jm.
- Reports to the Children’s Registry are held in the strictest of confidence and reporters do not have to give their name. Reports received by the Registry are assessed, recorded and referred to the Child Development Agency and the Office of the Children’s Advocate for investigation and action.
- The penalty for failing to report child abuse to the Children’s Registry is six months imprisonment, a fine of J$500,000.00 or both.
About the agencies
The CDA is the Executive Agency of the Government of Jamaica that has responsibility for providing a stable and nurturing living environment for children who are in need of care and protection. The CDA is responsible for providing quality care for children in the guardianship of the State; promoting the best interests of children; aiming to maintain children in families; advocating for the protection of children from abuse; and advising on policy and legal issues relating to children.
The OCA is a commission of Parliament mandated to protect the rights and best interest of children. The OCA was established under the Child Care and Protection Act (2004) in 2006. The OCA receives and investigates complaints against relevant authorities; provides legal representation for children; reviews and monitors laws, practices and services to ensure the effectiveness and the rights and best interest of children are being considered. The OCA also gives advice and makes recommendations to Parliament and relevant authorities on matters regarding the rights and best interest of children.
The OCR was established as a provision of the Child Care and Protection Act 2004 (CCPA) on January 1, 2007. A statutory body under the Ministry of Youth and Culture (MYC), the OCR is a central repository used to receive, record, assess and refer reports that are made by persons who know or suspect that a child is being or is at risk of being abused, neglected, or otherwise in need of care and protection. The Children’s Registry also has child abuse statistics available which may be used to inform child friendly policies, plans and programmes.
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. In Jamaica, UNICEF supports the Government and a range of non-governmental partners in reaching the most vulnerable children through the Quality Education, Child Protection and Adolescent Health and Empowerment programmes.
