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Crime

Study reveals Online Sexual Exploitation of Children rose in Pandemic; Philippines among the worst

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

A recent study from UNICEF and investigation by the BBC have revealed horrific levels of child abuse in the Philippines fueled by pandemic lockdowns and increasing poverty. The study  revealed that country has become a den for Online sexual exploitation and abuse of children (OSEAC) in which adults sometimes even parents force children to perform sexual acts on camera for paying pedophiles on the internet.

A key finding of the study was that certain cultural beliefs contribute to the spread of OSAEC such as ‘if the children are untouched, they are not harmed’ and ‘OSAEC provides easy money and almost everyone does it.’

The BBC’s Laura Bicker visited Preda, an orphanage in the country that specifically helps abused children. Located in the orphanage is a dark padded room outfitted with an on hand therapist. Bicker described what she saw and heard.

“Some of the toughest healing at Preda happens inside a dark room with soft music playing in the background. There are large pads on the walls and floors – the kind gymnasts would use for a soft landing. The only light comes from the open door. About five children are kneeling, each in their own space.  Most of them are facing the wall. The overwhelming sound is the erratic thud of their fists and feet as they pummel the pads. The first raw, anguished cries make your heart stop. And then it starts again, but it’s difficult to keep listening, even from a distance, even for a few minutes. The questions hurled at the cushioned walls – “Why did you do this to me? Why me? What did I do?”

The situation is becoming increasingly dire.

Only around 20 per cent of Filipino children are listed by UNICEF as not vulnerable to online sexual exploitation and the pandemic has made it worse. UNICEF says a good grasp of the English Language, availability and ease of access to technology, well-established financial transaction facilities, and ‘absence of perceived conflict between sexual exploitation and significant social norms are some of the reasons the gruesome industry is allowed to thrive and expand.

While instances of online abuse may not be as prevalent in the Caribbean instances of sexual abuse are still high.  A recent study revealed that nearly 15 per cent of children aged 11–12 years and, 35 per cent of young people, 14–15 years old reported having had sexual experiences. Since the onset of the pandemic in 2019 those numbers have spiked.

In  Jamaica alone pediatricians said cases abuse rose 70 per cent during the pandemic but cases reported to the police dropped significantly indicating extreme underreporting.

Sexual crimes are some of the most underreported crimes in the world for various reasons including fear, coercion and shame. Protection of children from sexual abuse in all its forms must then become a community effort with adults taking on the responsibility of investigating and speaking up on behalf of children who may not be able to do so on their own.

Crime

Assault Charge

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, February 05th, 2025 – A 50-year-old male will appear before the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court on February 17, 20225, charged with one count: SEXUAL ASSAULT.

Officers of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit charged STEPHEN LYN following a report of sexual touching by a 13-year-old female victim.

The incident allegedly occurred on September 24, 2024.

Mr. Lyn is currently on $5000. bail.

 

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Crime

Threats to Police Officers

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Turks and Caicos, February 3, 2025 – A 27-year-old male who threatened to shoot a police officer has been found guilty.

KARONNO MUNNINGS, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was ordered by the court on January 28, 2025, to pay a fine of $2000 or serve sixty days imprisonment.  Mr. Munnings was given until April 28th to pay the fine.

Evidence presented to the court revealed that on Monday, October 28, 2024, at around 9:30 p.m., a team of officers was conducting routine patrols along Pete Close, Kew Town, Providenciales.

While interviewing two individuals, Mr. Munnings approached a police officer and started issuing threats by stating, “I will shoot one of y’all in the head any day”.

Mr. Munnings was arrested and subsequently charged.

Following the verdict, Head of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection acting Superintendent Grantley Williams said, “The RT&CIPF welcomes the verdict.  Any threats of violence against police officers or law-abiding persons will be met with swift action.  We encourage respectful interactions with our officers to maintain public safety, especially while they are engaged in their duties.  Threats against the lives of police officers are a serious matter.  Officers uphold the law, and such utterances during our duty are unacceptable and will not be taken lightly.”

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Crime

“Trippy” Sentenced to Seven Years

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Turks and Caicos, January 31, 2025 – HENRICO MORRIS, 25, alias “TRIPPY” and “RICO” has been sentenced to seven years in prison.  Mr. Morris was sentenced at the Grand Turk Supreme Court on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025.

Mr. Morris was charged with One Count of Possession of an Imitation Firearm With intent to Cause a Serious Offence.

Based on the evidence presented to the court, an incident occurred at a bar located on Saunders Pond in Grand Turk on January 21, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m., resulting in a male receiving injuries to his right leg.

Following a thorough investigation, Morris was arrested on January 30, 2023, and subsequently
charged.

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