Jamaicans urged to stand against child abuse

 

Jamaicans are being urged to denounce all forms of violence against children, as today, May 1, marks the start of a Child Month activities. 

 

The theme for this year's observation of Child Month is, Act Now! Stand Against Child Abuse and Exploitation.

 

Chairperson of the National Child Month Committee, Nicole Patrick Shaw, said the theme was influenced by startling data from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) last year on violence against children and youth.

 

"So we recognised that we needed to put into action the theme Act Now! Stand Against Child Abuse and Exploitation. So what are we doing now? For Child Month, the National Child Committee is asking persons to stand and do something from where they are at. We have our church service that is happening this Saturday, and we're collaborating with a number of government entities. CPFSA is on board with us."

 

She urged the public to participate in the activities during the month. 

 

"We are asking persons to celebrate Children's Day, which is the third Friday of this month. So you wear your yellow. We have our care package day. We have our youth forums. We have our mental awareness day. So we're just asking you, from where you stand, whether you are in an entity or whether you are in a community group, to join the charge, Act Now! Stand Against Child Abuse and Exploitation."

 

The Jamaica Violence Against Children and Youth Survey, conducted in 2023, examined the prevalence and context of sexual, physical and emotional violence among children and youth aged 13 to 24 years old. 

 

The results showed that 77.2% of females and 77.6% of males reported experiencing violence.