ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — A 26-year-old St Elizabeth farmer was remanded when he appeared before the Santa Cruz Parish Court on Wednesday to face buggery charges for reportedly assaulting his 4-year-old relative.

According to the police, the incident happened in the parish back in July.

The man is expected to make a court appearance on September 11 to answer the charges.

In response to the incident, the police have reignited calls for parents and guardians to listen to their children, especially regarding sensitive issues.

Dropping some statistics, Superintendent of Police Coleridge Minto shared that in most reported cases of abuse, the perpetrators are usually relatives or family friends.

“There were 14 cases of sexual assaults in 2023 in comparison to 13 in 2022; however, the division has seen a higher conviction rate of 9 compared to the same period,” he said.

He also used the opportunity to encourage the public to report any suspected case of sexual assault.