Superintendent Kerry-Ann Bailey, head of CISOCA
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Superintendent Kerry-Ann Bailey, head of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA)
The police are sounding the alarm over what they say is the disturbing prevalence of sexual offences against children.
Superintendent Kerry-Ann Bailey, head of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), says there have been more than 3,000 reported cases of sexual offences against children in the last two years.
"Between January 1, 2023 and May 12, 2025, 3,014 sexual offences against 2,154 children were reported to the police. This isn't just data, it represents violated lives, stolen childhoods and profound trauma inflicted on our most vulnerable," she bemoaned, declaring that these heinous crimes against children, or anyone, will not be tolerated.
Superintendent Bailey said while recent data shows a decline with 333 cases reported so far this year compared with 527 for the similar period in 2023, even one case remains a cause for concern.
She said of over 330 cases being investigated so far this year, the majority, or 253, relate to the offences of sexual intercourse with a person under 16, grievous sexual assault and rape.
Superintendent Bailey revealed that 10 children have been murdered since the start of the year including infants and teenagers.
Assuring that the JCF retreats every report seriously, the CISOCA head encouraged adults to be vigilant, look out for children and immediately report cases and suspected cases of abuse.
"Your awareness, your willingness to report suspicious activity can prevent a crime and save a child's life. If you or someone you know have been victims or you have any information about a sexual offence against a child or any threat to a child, please do not hesitate. Contact the police immediately," she urged.
CISOCA can be reached directly at 876-926-4079 or via WhatsApp at 876-224-5352. Reports may also be made by calling 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811 or visiting the nearest police station.
The issue of violence against children has been thrust into the spotlight following separate incidents last week including the murder of a nine-year-old girl in St. Catherine and the sexual assault of two others as they made their way home from school in Old Harbour.
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