St Thomas CISOCA hosts parenting workshop
ST THOMAS, Jamaica – The St Thomas chapter of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) partnered with several agencies to host the first Parenting Seminar on Tuesday, December 5.
In collaboration with the Victim Resources Division, Restorative Justice, Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Child Diversion Unit, and the Domestic Violence Unit, the workshop was held under the theme ‘Our Children, Their Future, Let Us Embrace Them’ and had over 40 parents in attendance.
“The attendees were treated to a myriad of presentations that highlighted the negative impacts of child abuse and the offences being committed against and by their children. The presenters also used the opportunity to remind parents of their roles and responsibilities, signs, phrases, and behaviours to be cognisant of at home, among other things,” a statement said on Thursday, adding that there needs to be an increased awareness of the possible implications of failing to report when offences are committed by family members against children was also on the day’s agenda.
“The organisers were happy to see the reception to the knowledge being imparted and the feedback exceeded their expectation. The intent is to extend their reach to as many parents and households as possible and the aim is to host a workshop at all nine stations in the parish,” the statement said.
The second staging is slated to be held in the Golden Grove/Bath area in February 2024. The initiative also coincides with the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s commemoration of the Global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This runs from November 25, which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until December 10 which is celebrated as Human Rights Day.