Too often and too many are the cases of child abuse that have been reported in T&T. Too often and too many are the child abuse cases that go unreported and are kept a secret by the abused out of fear.Child abuse has been labelled "taboo" and the reluctance to expose the topic has led to us protecting the abuser, leaving the abused suffering in silence.It needs to be plastered on every wall. It must be known to the abused that there is help and that they have options. Silence is not one of them.Anybody who has been abused, whether it was years ago or days, you need to speak up and break the silence! There is no expiration day on such acts. I don't think it is fully understood the severeness of the situation and how serious this needs to be taken.
Every child in every school should know about this country's ChildLine services that they can call (800 4321). Our hurt and neglected children of the future are at stake here people.These are the children of our country, the future of our nation and they are suffering, and that is everybody's business. It could be your own child and you don't even know it, but look out for the signs and be very careful with your children.Suicide rates are going up. Child sexual abuse rates are going up. Rape rates are going up. Tell me why are we still sitting down! We are allowing such things to happen by doing nothing about it. We need to reach out, stand up and start acting. More needs to be done in the schools and community about topics like this.We need to promote awareness (the blue ribbon is the international awareness sign for child abuse prevention). But mostly, we need to do something about the nothing that is being done. Action speak louder than words and enough has been said. Its time to act.
Charnele Quamina,
Sangre Grande