President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell calls the nation’s attention to that "World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse," was observed globally on November 19.
The World Day, was initiated by the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF) in 2000, aims to create a culture of prevention around the world by encouraging governments and community/society organizations to play more active roles in protecting children.
Organizations are asked to focus attention and increase awareness and education about child abuse and violence toward children, to promote respect for the Rights of the Child, and to make preventing child abuse a top priority.
The WWSF reports that more than one million children throughout the world enter the sex trade each year. WWSF reached out to governments and other organizations throughout the world to form the NGO Coalition. The latter has committed it to creating a culture of prevention for child abuse.
"Children are very vulnerable. They depend on us to take care of them, to give them love and to protect them. Together as a nation we need to work together to create a culture of prevention.
"I call on the community to help protect children by reporting abuse. It is the duty of every adult to report known or suspected cases of child abuse to the relevant authorities.
"Each one of us, as they say, it takes a village to raise a child, well collectively we have a responsibility to protect our children from all forms of abuse. Educate yourself about abuse.
"Let us be mindful to love and protect our children and continue to guard and guide them," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.
Child maltreatment includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g. clergy, coach, teacher). There are four common types of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect.