26 Children Referred to Crisis Centre Over Sexual Abuse in Last Two Months

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NASSAU , THE BAHAMAS – If you’re a parent, this may be troubling news. The Bahamas Crisis Center announced that they’re seeing an uptick in referrals for kids who’ve been sexually assaulted and they’re sounding the alarm.

Our Joshua Williams told us more.

The Bahamas Crisis Center, which typically deals with domestic abuse victims, has also had to open its doors to children between the ages of eight to sixteen. This range is who has been sexually abused according to Administrator, Cleopatra Christie.

Cleopatra Christie – Administrator, Bahamas Crisis Centre

“We’ve received referrals often and I think from our from scan I think our numbers are like 26 for the year so far of children who needs to seek our attention”

Those figures are for January and February alone.

Last September, Director, Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson reported 180 children, between the ages of 2 and 17, were referred to the Centre for Sexual Assault over the past 11 months.

Police are now reporting that minors are also falling prey to online sex predators and scams.

Cleopatra Christie – Administrator, Bahamas Crisis Centre

“Our mandate is sexual and sexual violence against women and children. We also see children who require other who have other needs, but I haven’t seen that.”

Spouse of the prime minister, Anne Marie Davis has built her platform on advocacy for those vulnerable in society.

While the numbers are troubling and he told me she’s pleased victims are coming forward but it’s now time for harsher penalties.

Anne Marie Davis – Spouse of the Prime Minister

“If we punish them to the fullest extent of the law, it would be harsh and probably in some cases, especially as the Privy Council cause the worst of the worst we could I would think we could we should have some harsh penalties yes”

Cleopatra Christie – Administrator, Bahamas Crisis Centre

“While the ministry is seeking to do its best. It is still limited “