TCI: Child Abuse Prevention Month – April 2018

#TurksandCaicos, April 12, 2018 – Providenciales – The Department of Social Development within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication observes Child Abuse Prevention month in April.  This year’s theme is “Hear the Children’s Cry.”  Child abuse can affect children of all ages, race, ethnicity and religion. No child or young person is immune to it.

The Department of Social Development is the lead agency responsible for Child safeguarding/ protection and has zero tolerance to all forms of child abuse.   In order to prevent Child Abuse, we must first know what it is.

Child Abuse is any act or series of actions, or failure to act by a parent or caregiver which results in any form of harm, potential for harm or threat of harm to a minor child.  These acts of commission and omission may result in physical injury, neglect, emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation. Behaviors/ actions and Indicators exhibited may co-exist.

Types of Child Abuse:

Neglect

Physical abuse

Abandonment

Sexual abuse

Emotional/Psychological abuse

A Child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years old, according to the Convention on the Rights of a Child, which TCI is signatory.

Who abuses children: Children are primarily abused by familiar persons not strangers. People who they know and trust.

There are many reasons and factors where children and adults do report child abuse:

CHILD VIEWS                                                                                     ADULT VIEWS

Fear of removal and separation from families                                     Fear of community backlash

Lives being threatened                                                                        Belief the child will get over it

Shame, guilt, embarrassment                                                              Fear of negative consequences

People gossip too much and they wouldn’t want

anyone to know about it

It is important for everyone to report child abuse because: 

• You are the voice of the child
• Stop the cycle of abuse
• Prevention is better

Mandatory Reporting

Professional bodies such as teachers, operators and employees of day care centres, health care professionals, social workers, have the legal responsibility to report all forms of child abuse including the clergy. The Children Care and Protection Ordinance 2015 stipulates the timing in which reporting should be…” without delay” (section 14. 1)

Methods of reporting

• Contact the police who will contact the Director of Social Development
• Anonymously
• Email: reportabusetci@gov.tc

The TCI government approved the National Child Safeguarding Protocols – Working Together in the TCI in Cabinet and an official signing of the document by all stakeholders took place on the November 16, 2017.  This was a major accomplishment for the TCI in safeguarding our children and coming in line with our UK OT counterparts.  The main stakeholders were:

• Education
• Police
• Health
• Legal Department – AG Chambers/ DPP
• Social Development

How you can help?

• Everyone has a role to play in combating child abuse in the TCI.
• If you see something, say something
• Do not hide incidences of child abuse – always operate in the best interest of the child
• Educate others about the signs and indicators of child abuse and what can be done to prevent it

Tips on managing CA

• Reach out to a parent who seems overwhelmed
• Set a positive example. Never use violence or put downs
• Treat all children and parents with respect.
• Be there for children. Listen and empathize
• Always stop to cool down before disciplining a child

Dos and Don’ts if a child discloses abuse

Dos

Reassure the child that you have listened to what he/she said

Ensure you have made notes using the child’s exact words (date, time, place, people present)

Ensure the report is made by contacting lead agency in child protection – Social Development and or the police

Don’ts

Do not contact the alleged or suspected perpetrator

Do not attempt to investigate the allegations yourself

Do not interrupt, ask leading questions or make the child repeat the account, if a child tells you that he or another child is being abused.

Commenting on Child Abuse Month, the Director of Social Development, Mrs. Tiffany Thomas-Browne noted; “Our children and young people are our most precious gems and TCIG is committed to preventing, reporting and managing all forms of child abuse throughout the country. The TCI National Child Safeguarding Protocol-Working Together in the TCI gives us leverage on the methods and approaches that must be taken in respect to a report of child abuse/neglect. It speaks to the various roles of stakeholders and more importantly, minimizing the impact of abuse on the child as well as having the child’s best interest as our priority. You are urged to do your part as a citizen to protect our children and ensure that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care. Break the Silence – End Child Abuse/Neglect.”

The following activities have been planned for the rest of the month in observance of Child Abuse Month.

Activities in observance of CAP month

• Rap sessions with young people around the theme
• Focus groups with children and young people
• Child Safeguarding workshops for parents, teachers & Religious leaders
• Community Outreach (distribution of brochures and pamphlets)
• Jingle creation by students
• Presentations to schools
• Ecumenical church service on Provo

Release: TCIG