Dear Editor,
In celebrating another anniversary of the convention on the rights of children it is important to point out to all adults Article 3 which states that adults should do what is best for children and Article 34 further states that children have a right to be protected from sexual abuse. These Articles from the convention must no longer be foreign to any parent. Parents need to be exposed to these fundamental rights of children if our children in Guyana are going to be better cared for and protected from all forms of abuse.
Child sexual abuse is an immoral, gruesome act that not only violates the rights of a child but causes the child to experience unimaginable trauma that if not treated can stay with that child throughout his/her life. While many in society believe strangers pose the greatest danger to children, growing evidence shows that it is known that adults in a position of trust are most likely to sexually abuse a child.
The Child Rights Alliance (CRA) report from September 2018 captioned: Cries in The Dark- Child Sexual Abuse in Guyana indicated that 82% of the reported child sexual cases were cases of a family member sexually abusing a child within the family. These are cases that were reported to the CACs operated by ChildLinK, however, other civil society organizations have indicated similarities in the reports. 42% of the reported cases were by a known and trusted adult known to the family, while 40% were by a family member. The family members consist of fathers, step fathers, uncles, step uncles, cousins and grandfathers. According to the report, trusted adults who sexually abused children included, but are not limited to, community members, pastors, teachers and bus conductors. Strangers who might grab a child in a dark alley do not pose the greatest danger to Guyana’s children. Rather, men who they know—both inside and outside their family—are most likely to sexually abuse them.
The Cries in the Dark report revealed children were abused during all times of the day and night, whenever the abuser had private and uninterrupted access to the child, even for brief periods, such as when the child’s mother stepped out to run an errand. As a result, in many cases, the abuse was not a one off event. Rather, it often took place over a prolonged period. In some cases, the abuse went on for months and in other cases for years. In some cases the abuse started in childhood years and continued into the teen years. It is quite alarming that perpetrators can coerce or intimidate children into silence for such a prolonged period.
According to the report while most children reported abuse by only one individual, many children reported abuse by as many as five perpetrators. The true percentage of children abused by family members and known persons is even higher but goes unreported due to manipulation by the abuser and in most instances children are unable to identify abuse. Family members are also likely to cover up the abuse due to shame that they associate with sexual abuse. This gives the perpetrator an advantage over the victim. Ultimately, it is the child who must endure the trauma of prolonged abuse and a sense of betrayal by those who should be protecting them.
As family and community members it is our duty to protect children from sexual abuse. We must have a vested interest in our children’s interests and affairs, and it is important that parents educate themselves first and then their children about sexual abuse, safe touches and unsafe touches, and that abusers can be anyone including immediate family members. Parents should be observant, and mindful of drastic behaviour changes in children.
Parents should be open to reading materials and watching videos that provide information on child abuse preventative measures. Take advantage of parenting skills education sessions offered by Civil Society Organizations such as ChildLinK and government agencies such as the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). Be an active participant in your child’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Keep the communications line open and maintain an environment where your child will not feel victimized for disclosing sexual abuse.
Yes! Strangers may pose a threat to children but parents/caregivers must understand that no one should be given the benefit of the doubt where child sexual abuse is concerned. Every parent should keep a watchful eye where the welfare of children is concerned. We therefore call upon every adult on November 20th to take the time to think about the child or children in your care and ask yourself and family members and your friends and importantly ask your children. Are they safe, are they exposed to a potential sexual predator, what else you can do to safeguard your child. Are you making decisions that are best for your child safety? Last year 841 children reported sexual abuse, we appeal to you parents/caregivers, to protect your children from child sexual abuse.
Yours faithfully,
Shaquita Thomas
Communications Officer
ChildLinK Inc.
