May 10, 2016: The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of State extend their heartfelt regrets to the families and loved ones of the young victims of child abuse.
We are overwhelmed and saddened by the staggering increases in reports of child abuse cases as chronicled by the Children’s Authority. As a nation we understand that our children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society, who are in dire need of our protection and support. This understanding has therefore been the backbone and foundation for all that we do, as we exhaust all our resources to ensure the protection of our children.
The Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs) is committed to reducing the incidences of violence against children, by enforcing policy and legislation, while enhancing the services which care for and protect children. In partnership with UNICEF, we are still engaged in the “Break the Silence” campaign, which aims at increasing the reporting of child abuse cases. The current development of the National Children’s Registry will ensure that children access the full range of educational, protective and health services they need, according to their particular developmental stage. Additionally, headway is being made to develop the National Child Policy which includes the following sub-policies:
(i) The Child Protection Policy and National Strategic Framework for Child Protection;
(ii) The Children in Alternative Care Policy;
(iii) The Nursery Policy;
(iv) Early Childhood Development Policy;
(v) Framework for the Care and Protection of Children with Disabilities; and
(vi) Vacation Camp Manual and Guidelines.
These areas, when enforced, will provide optimum care & protection for children, including access to safer and more child friendly spaces and standardize quality care and protection at all institutions providing children services.
We once again echo our clear and firm stance that child abuse and neglect are not acceptable. Silence only results in the festering of harmful thoughts and practices that negatively affect our children. We must talk about it. We must report it. We must break the silence. If you know or are suspicious of any incidents of child abuse or neglect, contact the Children’s Authority at 996, or ChildLine at 131.
