EDITORIAL: Protect our children
It is said that in addition to the devastating health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also been seeing negative social impacts on family life.
In fact, from early on in the pandemic, there was concern raised that the lockdowns and restrictions on movement, which were implemented in an effort to help curb the spread of the virus, would result in increased violence in the home. Since last year there have been studies done on domestic violence in the region, and it has shown that such violence has been on the rise since the onset of COVID-19.
Information garnered from the UN Women Caribbean Multi Country Office, showed that in Trinidad and Tobago as well as Barbados the domestic violence reports to the police were higher in 2020 than 2019. But it was also realised that calls to hotlines for help, outstripped the reports to the police. The fact is, those on the receiving end of the violence are often too afraid of the repercussions to report the matter to the police, and those in the society who are aware of what is going on, think it is none of our business and we bury our heads in the sand.
But, we cannot continue to be like the proverbial ostrich, we must create a sense of responsibility and accountability among our people, to help end the culture of domestic violence and violence that is perpetrated against women and children. For too long we have allowed the perpetrators of such violent acts to go unpunished, because we are afraid or ashamed; but in doing that, we do an injustice to those affected by the violence, especially where such victims are children. We make that point given that there is research that shows that children who reside in homes where intimate partner violence occurs, are likely to experience abuse as well and are even at risk of physical and mental health problems.
So we must protect our children, and the importance of that comes into even sharper focus this month as we celebrate Child Month. Child abuse can be the physical, sexual, emotional, mistreatment, or neglect of children. Such actions cannot be tolerated, and as a society we must take the necessary steps to ensure the legislative framework is in place to protect the future generation.
Certainly, we are pleased to hear that Government is reviewing the child protection policy and legislation, so as to strengthen weaknesses in the national response to children who have been harmed, and we urge them to move with alacrity to make the necessary changes. Too many of our young boys, and young girls especially, are being physically and sexually abused. Our court reports in recent weeks bear testimony to that, and should energise us to put the necessary systems in place to prevent more of these cases from occurring, and where they do occur, ensuring that justice is served.
We have all heard about the length of time it can take these cases to be heard and verdicts rendered. This reality has on occasion resulted in the cases being dismissed because victims do not want to relive the experience years after the fact. So it is hoped that we see swifter justice in such cases in the future.
But, while we see those cases, the sad reality is that many more go unreported, and by keeping quiet, we are basically condoning what has been done. Therefore, until society recognises that the problem is not one to ignore and that we all have a part to play, these perpetrators will continue to get off scot-free.
We therefore have a duty to break the silence regarding all forms of child abuse, but particularly on behalf of children of child sexual abuse. This must be done if we are to discourage others from engaging in such behaviours, which too often leave physical and emotional scars that sometimes never heal.