KINGSTON, Jamaica — Several schoolboys who were arrested following the circulation of a video depicting the violent sexual assault of a schoolgirl have been charged.

They have been charged with several offences including rape, forcible abduction, knowing and producing child pornography and distributing child pornography.

According to investigations, the group of male students allegedly lured the 13-year-old schoolgirl to a house where she was sexually assaulted and the act was recorded. The video has since made its rounds on social media leading to the police warning residents against sharing the video.

In a statement on Monday, Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says it is providing psychological intervention for the 13-year-old victim who was observed on video being physically abused while being sexually assaulted by a group of male teens.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Laurette Adams-Thomas said, “We were made aware of the video early Saturday morning on November 23, 2024. Our investigating team located the victim and her family and met with them on Sunday, November 24, 2024 where brief counselling was provided. The child was referred to the Victims Services Division for additional support. She is also to receive a medical assessment today, Monday, January 25, 2024 and we will continue to work with the family through our Children and Family Support Unit (CFSU).”

She continued, “We strongly condemn this despicable act that was meted out to this girl. The levels of violence we continue to see being displayed by our children are of grave concern. Sadly, this also seems to be a reflection of the violence and disrespect towards women and girls that permeate our society. We need to do more now to protect our children and future. These kinds of maladaptive behaviours in our schools and communities must not be condoned and we must teach our boys that masculinity is not synonymous with abuse.”

The child protection agency CEO further sought to remind and encourage individuals to report any and all forms of child abuse using the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline 211. She added that child abuse reports may be made through WhatsApp/text at 876-878-2882, e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm or by visiting any CPFSA parish office, or through our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @cpfsajm.

READ: Police arrest schoolboys over ‘disturbing’ video; Gov’t ministers condemn incident