Crime
TCI Police Warn Special Unit Assertively tackling Child Abuse Matters
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 18, 2023 – Child abuse is on the increase in the Turks and Caicos and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is worried about the safety of the nation’s children at the hands of their caregivers. They made the revelation in a press release titled ‘Parents Beware’ shared with Magnetic Media Wednesday night.
Police Officers and the Social Services arm of the government have a front row seat to cases of abuse against minors in the country as all must be reported to them. The increase has now become concerning enough for them to appeal to the nation
“There has been an increase in the number of incidents of child abuse [and neglect]. Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers are being advised to desist from abusing children in any form,” they warned.
“Whilst it may be challenging at times for children to be obedient and compliant to instructions, resorting to abuse is
Though no statistics regarding the increase were shared, residents are being urged to seek professional help if parenting is becoming too much to handle or if their child’s behavior is becoming too challenging to manage.
As for anyone who resorted to abuse they had this message, “The Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit shall investigate ALL reported incidents of child abuse and where there is evidence, the perpetrators will be dealt with to the fullest extent under the Children (Care and Protection) Ordinance.”
In a report carried by Magnetic Media earlier this year, statistics from 2022 revealed by the Department of Social Services exposed that: Seventy related child abuse cases were reported in 2022 of which twenty-nine (29) were physical abuse; thirteen (13) were child sexual abuse (adult-to-child); thirteen (13) were child in need or neglect cases; four (4) were emotional abuse matters, six (6) were runaway cases and five (5) child deaths.
Residents have a legal obligation to report child abuse you can do so by making a report at the nearest police station, contacting the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696, Department of Social Development at 338-4008 or calling 911.