April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. It’s a great opportunity for us to look at what we are doing and acknowledge our challenges here. In this stressful economy it is important to recognize that the national increase in child maltreatment paired with budget cuts across the board are a dangerous combination for our children. Because of this, our most vulnerable population stands at greater risk than ever.
Montserrat has for several years now shown interest in the protection of children from abuse, but the response to Child Abuse and Neglect is still critical.
Responding to child abuse and neglect involves protecting children from harm and supporting families to reduce the risk of future harm to children. There is the need for reports from professionals and concerned citizens to be delivered to child protective services staff alerting them to concerns about a child’s welfare. There should be an investigation to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed.
Serious involvement should see assessment of the child’s and family’s needs or engage in other interventions to support the family’s efforts to provide a safe, nurturing environment for their children. CPS professionals may work with law enforcement, courts, other professionals, and community members to protect children and support families.
A government minister in one of the British Overseas Dependent Territories (BODT) writes: “Children are perhaps the most vulnerable group among us. They should not be subjected to hurt, pain, fear and confusion. In most cases, they suffer in silence as they are afraid to voice their hurt and thoughts, and are helpless in explaining their situation as well as bringing their plight to persons who can assist them. Children who experience abuse fear that if they were to speak out, they would be further abused, ridiculed, misjudged and reprimanded.
We, as a community, have a duty towards protecting our children. We must be their voice and champion their cause. We have to ensure that they are protected from hurt, pain, embarrassment and stigmatization. Children must feel safe, secure and loved. Let us begin by listening to our children. Pay attention to their needs, observe their actions, give voice to their fears and hurts and sensitize as many persons as we can to assist in this task. It may seem a great task, but if we all do our little part we will succeed in eradicating child abuse.”
We must be vigilant as a society to stop child abuse. Know the facts, learn the signs, and report all forms of suspected child abuse whether that abuse is physical, emotional or sexual. A vulnerable child in the community is depending on your assistance.
