Adults urged to protect children from abuse
Trusted adults are the “soldiers on the front line” of the battle against child abuse.
These are the words of Kelly Hunt, the executive director of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, who thanked the “unsung heroes” in Bermuda’s community during the proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The event took place on the steps of City Hall yesterday afternoon.
Ms Hunt said: “We stand in solidarity not only as part of a helping organisation but as members in the community and Bermuda as a whole. Collectively we can make a difference in the lives of our children as we embrace the value and belief that prevention is better than cure.
“As individuals we ask ourselves, what can I do, what is my personal role in prevention? We share a responsibility as the trusted adults. Trusted adults are the caregivers, teachers, aunts, uncles, godparents and neighbours.
“We are the people who children look up to for guidance and support. Trusted adults are the ones who listen to a child when they have something important to say — these are the individuals who celebrate a child’s achievements while encouraging them to pursue their passions and take on their talents …
• Know what’s up: it is important to know personal information such as the child’s parents’ or guardians’ address, their full names and numbers and what to do in the event of an emergency
• Spotting red flags: it is important to develop an awareness of warning signs that indicate that something is unsafe
• Make a move: if the child knows a situation or a person is not safe, they should get away and stay away
• Talk it out: this teaches children to tell a safe adult if they or another child may be in danger of being harmed
• No blame, no shame: it is never their fault and they should never feel ashamed to tell an adult
“Ultimately, these adults are not only trusted — they are safe. When children feel valued, they build stronger resilience and it means that they can find their voice, it means that they don’t have to handle difficult situations on their own. Ultimately, it means that a child is less vulnerable.
“In the horrible event that there is abuse in a child’s life, having a trusted adult to lean on can mean the world to a young person. With this support, children can heal from trauma.”
Stephany Outerbridge, programme manager for the coalition, said that one out of four children will be victimised in their lifetime. However, she said that 95 per cent of child sexual abuse is preventable thorough education. The coalition facilitates preventive educational programmes including Safety Matters and One Love.
Ms Outerbridge also outlined the safety rules associated with child abuse prevention.
As well as recognising Child Abuse Prevention Month, the event at City Hall also celebrated the coalition’s 30 years of service.
Javon Williams, the chairman of the charity’s board, read the proclamation, which focused on how the whole community has a role to play in the prevention of child abuse.
“Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem that affects every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone.
“Our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Bermuda.
“Child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional and physical effects that can have lifelong consequences for victims of abuse.
“Protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional and developmental wellbeing of children.
“Effective child abuse prevention campaigns succeed because of meaningful connections and partnerships that are created between the Department of Child and Family Services, education, health, community clubs and faith-based organisations, businesses, law enforcement agencies and families. Communities must make every effort to promote programmes and activities that benefit children and their families.
“We acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness of child abuse and contribute to promote to the social, and emotional wellbeing of children and families in a safe, stable and nurturing environment.
“Prevention remains the best defence for our children and families.“
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