St. Lucia Launches Campaign To Deal With Sexual Abuse Of Children

CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – The St. Lucia government has launched a campaign aimed at dealing with the issue of sexual abuse among children.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations in collaboration with UNICEF, has unveiled its new campaign “Break the Silence,” targeting victims and families and empowering them to take action in the prevention of child sexual abuse.

The authorities said that a workshop held here earlier this week, was aimed at establishing a network of religious leaders for a better response to child abuse in St. Lucia.

They said the religious leaders were granted the opportunity to discuss the prevalence and effects of child abuse on individuals and the general society.

During the workshop, acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Cointha Thomas, highlighted the importance of the society playing a proactive role in protecting children from sexual abuse and the risk of HIV.

“Recognizing the limitations of our interventions, we reach out to our partners to assist us. Religious leaders have a powerful voice, you have influence, you encounter people, and you understand the problem, “she said.

UNICEF Communication for Development Specialist, Dr. Lisa McClean-Trotman, spoke on the need to work together as to put systems in place to protect children.

“Keeping silent about child abuse is not an option for us. We know it happens, but it is not an option for us. It doesn’t help the situation, it is not an option. Secondly, protecting whether it be the church, community leaders, that’s no longer an option for us. We need to be operating or thinking within the mind set of what is in the best interest of the children.”

The authorities said the campaign will serve as a platform for advocacy among policy makers, police authorities, health workers, community leaders and religious leaders.