CISOCA One Stop Victim Centre welcomed in Clarendon

By Kimone Witter    

 

Clarendon-based gynaecologist Horace Charoo has welcomed the establishment of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse's One Stop Victim Centre in the parish which he says comes at a time when women and children are enduring much stress due to sexual abuse.

 

The victim centre was opened Wednesday and will operate from the Denbigh Showground in May Pen.

 

Speaking with journalists, Dr. Charoo disclosed that some of his patients have been victims of abuse but he has been unsure how to assist them beyond the medical treatment. 

 

"A women's centre has been badly needed in the parish of Clarendon for a number of years now. As a practicing gynaecologist in May Pen, I can only say that this matter has come not too soon. I see cases like this almost on a weekly basis, and I am at a loss to know what to do next with some of these cases. But it's good that something has happened finally," he said. 

 

Dr. Charoo expressed a willingness to be among the medical professionals who will be called upon to treat victims at the centre.

 

Addressing the function on Wednesday, National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang said the Southern Regional Health Authority will be approached to assist in identifying medical professionals to work at the victim centre. 

 

In 2022, police statistics identified Clarendon as one of five parishes with a high risk violence against women and girls.

                   

In the meantime, head of CISOCA, Senior Superintendent Maldria Jones Williams, said more staff and assigned transportation will go a far way in improving the operations at the newly opened One Stop Victim Centre in May Pen.

 

She said discussions have started for the additional resources to be provided. 

 

The European Union in partnership with UNICEF Jamaica and the United Nations Development Programme's Spotlight Initiative played key roles in the establishment of the facility.