Collaborative, focus-driven approach needed to tackle child abuse – Minister Persaud

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud during a meeting with Directors of ChildLink stated that a centralised database would be established to obtain reliable data for the development and implementation of policies and actions for the prevention and response to violence, exploitation, and abuse of children.

The Minister acknowledged the strides made by child advocacy groups, law enforcement, and international donor agencies in protecting children, and underscored the need for a “more collaborative, focused, driven” approach in addressing child abuse with “monitoring and evaluation” being standardised.
During her interaction with the ChildLink team, Persaud was “deeply moved” by the “horrific acts” children endure at the hands of perpetrators, and was “troubled” that family members or neighbours are hesitant in reporting cases or suspected cases of abuse.

To this end, the Ministry will be stepping up its efforts, through educational campaigns, to encourage parents and communities to become more involved in reporting incidents of child abuse.
Meanwhile, the ChildLink team highlighted the challenges faced by the NGO, which included funding, shortage of human resources and the inadequate services of child psychologists.
Minister Persaud advised the NGO’s team to submit a report with prioritised areas of focus and indicated any support given would be done through phased and system-based approaches “where clear roles will be defined to ensure continuity of projects.”

The Minister was briefed on the operations of ChildLink by Managing Director Omattie Madray, and Director Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony.
ChildLink is a non-Governmental Organisation that works towards the protection of children against abuse and exploitation.