Expert: Break Taboo Around Child Sex Crimes

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With sexual abuse accounting for nearly a quarter of the reports made to the child protection unit last year, a local child sexual abuse prevention advocate and certified trainer says being reactive is clearly not the key to preventing children from becoming victims of sex crimes.

Jasmin Brown reports.

It’s a topic that is taboo but activists and those who work closely with sex crime survivors are refusing to remain silent.

Co-founder of Save Our Children Alliance Shervonne Cash-Hollis is among those calling on the relevant authorities to act early.

The most recent child abuse statistics were published last November, when The Nassau Guardian reported that sexual abuse accounted for more than 20 percent of the 335 cases reported to the Child Protection Unit between January 2021 and October 2021.

When the statistics were released, Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the statistics indicated that there is a lot of work to do.

Cash-Hollis, who has done similar work in Bermuda, could not agree more saying it’s time to be more proactive.

The proposed plan of action was submitted to The Department of Gender and Family Affairs in late March.

It details how a training program, that originated in The United States can be implemented.

The action plan consisted of 16 recommendations including the establishment of a national standard child training program.