The taboo against discussing child sexual abuse only serves to hide the disturbing reality of sexual abuse and sexual violence in the territory, said the Social Development Department’s Stacie Stoutt-James in a press release marking the launch of Child Abuse Prevention month.
“It goes way beyond the stories we read or hear in the media — hence the continuation of the Break the Silence initiative,” said Ms. Stoutt-James, who heads SDD’s Family, Children and Protective Services Unit.
She also said that in the last two years, instances of child sexual abuse have increased.
April is also Autism Awareness Month.
Autism Centre Programme Director Lorna Dawson said the centre plans to build public awareness about autism spectrum disorder and provide training and support for parents under the theme “Autism: Don’t Fear It, Embrace It.”
Throughout the month, the Social Development Department and the Autism Centre are partnering with various schools, businesses and non-governmental agencies. Planned activities include various television and radio appearances and infomercials, and the Drive Blue/Wear Blue initiative on April 25.
On April 27, there will be a presentation called “Dear Mr. Jesus” at the New Life Baptist Church at 10 a.m. and a Blue Tea party sponsored by LIME.
For more information on activities for Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, contact the SDD at 468-3650. For more information on Autism Awareness Month, please contact the Autism Centre at 468-3701, extension 3672.
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