Neglect is Abuse Too – Hanna

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, is reminding Jamaicans that abuse is not limited to sexual exploitation, noting that neglect by a parent or guardian is also considered as abuse.

She was speaking on Friday at the annual Youth Forum at the St. Andrew Parish Church Hall, where she continued to urge young people to report all cases of abuse.

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"If you have a parent or uncle who is neglecting you, if you have a grandmother who you are living with who doesn’t pay you any attention, they can be reported because at this stage of your life, your entire inner being…and your emotional self is important, and the only way you are going to feel good about yourself is if you get what we call reassurance, if you get motivation, if you get love," she said.

"If you not feeling any of those things from your immediate surroundings, you need to speak up,” she stressed.

The annual Youth Forum is one of several activities organised by the National Child Month Committee (NCMC) to mark Child Month. It provides an avenue for children to voice their views on issues that affect them. 

Turning to sexual abuse, Ms. Hanna told the youth in addition that “nobody has the right to touch you inappropriately."

She reminded them that by law and in keeping with good moral values, they are not allowed to have sex if they are under the age of 16. Ms. Hanna said that even if they are older than 16 nobody “has the right to force themselves on (you) inappropriately”.

“You have a responsibility to yourself to report such acts where they happen…you are to respect yourselves if anybody does anything to you that you find harmful, whether emotionally or sexually, whether physically, or any kind of abuse,” she stressed.

She further encouraged the youth to remain focussed in their studies, dreams and aspirations, adding that sex can and should wait until they are physically, mentally, socially and financially ready.

Under the Child Care and Protection Act persons, who fail to report cases of abuse, can be punished under the law.

Persons may report incidences of abuse to the Office of the Children’s Registry by calling the toll free number 1-888-PROTECT (1-888-776-8328) or by calling 908-2132/ 822-7031 (LIME) or 878-2882 (Digicel) between the hours 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

People may also visit the Children’s Registry at 12 Carlton Crescent, Kingston 10 or fax the report to 908-0246 or email it to reports@ocr.gov.jm

Initially a Child Month activity in May, the Youth Forum was moved to November as the NCMC is committed to organising year-long activities geared towards the nation’s children as well as for the observance of National Youth Month. 

It was held under theme: ‘Jamaica 50: Let’s Celebrate Our Children,’ and included presentations from the Wolmer’s Girls and Penwood High Schools on the topic:‘Care and Protection for our Children during the Past 50 years’,while St. George’s College and Ardenne High School will be looking at the topic: ‘Recognition and Celebration of the Achievements of Our Children during the Past 50 Years’.