Child abuse has been on the rise in our country and we need to rally to protect our children. We do not need to look very far to see the horrible acts that are committed against children. We hear about these acts on radio, see them on TV and social media, read about them in newspaper columns, and hear about them in our communities. We join the call to protect our children and strongly believe that children should be celebrated every day in some way.

We would like to raise awareness against child abuse as we unite in support of our children. Child abuse is a serious offence against children and the State, which may result in the death of a child or other types of trauma.

The statistics on child abuse are alarming! Here in the United States, every day an average of four children die from child abuse. Child abuse statistics show that 78.5 per cent of the victims were neglected, 17.6 per cent were physically abused, and 9.1 per cent were sexually abused (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Children who experience child abuse are more likely to be arrested as juveniles, to become criminals, pregnant teens, and mostly likely to be diagnosed with at least one psychological disorder before the age of 21 (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2011).

Lisa Hanna, in 2015, said that 220 cases of child abuse were made weekly, and over 3,000 cases were in backlog. Diahann Gordon-Harrison, head of the Office of the Children’s Advocate, speaking at Northern Caribbean University on November 3, 2015 reported that her organization saw an increase of 216 cases of child abuse in 2013-2014. Specifically, she stated that the cases of physical abuse increased among boys and sexual abuse increased among girls.

In helping to protect our children, we need to recognise that “Children are a gift from the Lord…” (Psalm 127:3). Even if you do not believe in sacred writings (such as the Bible), we all can agree that children are among the most vulnerable in society. In most, if not all cases children are unable to defend themselves against the heinous acts that are perpetrated against them so they must be protected. Parents, guardians, and caregivers need to recognise that they have a sacred responsibility to protect the children that are placed in their care.

While we were growing up in Jamaica, we were often told “children must be seen but not heard”. But children have a voice and they must be seen and heard, so listen to them. Generally, children continue to be victims of sexual abuse because parents and guardians fail to listen to them or take what they say seriously. We need to take what our children say seriously because many acts of sexual abuse are carried out by family members or close friends of the family. To reduce a child’s odds of abuse it is imperative that you listen to your children.

Finally, those of us who are entrusted with the care of children need to recognise that children deserve to be children; so let them play! Parents and guardians need to protect, hug, and celebrate their children. We believe that children are special and they should be cared for with love. Let’s join hands to protect them.

Marlon and Otencia Robinson are founders of Family On Point, LLC. Send comments to www.familyonpoint.info or familyonpoint@gmail.com