There is an urgent need to embark on a programme of public education to sensitise the population on the vexing issue of child abuse, according to alderwoman Ria Jaggan. In a motion she successfully moved at yesterday’s statutory meeting of the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC), Jaggan urged the corporation to launch a public education drive in each electoral district, “so as to sensitise the population to the prevalence of child abuse and its effects upon children and families.”
She said she felt the CTTRC should incorporate the Network of non-governmental organisations in this initiative, and “partner with other persons and institutions towards the creation Child Friendly Communities.”
Additionally, she said it was important to get adults to initiate the concept of community parenting, whereby the “community takes responsibility for the children.” Jaggan encouraged the burgesses to make suggestions about what could be done at the community level to ensure the safety of our children and a more loving and secure environment for their general well-being in terms of their physical and psychological health.
Alderman Sunil Ramjitsingh felt that there should be greater emphasis for protection of the child, as this approach could help in fighting the upsurge of child abuse. Councillor Anil Baliram meanwhile called for urgency in establishing centres where children who were affected could speak out more openly, instead of taking them to police stations.