ROADTOWN Tortola, BVI, April 29th 2011 - The social workers circled the roundabout in Road Town dressed in blue and at around 6:30 pm, released 63 blue and white balloons into the air and in the process officially wrapped up Child Abuse month.
It was held under the theme, “Helping Children Heal Together; Through Prevention…Intervention…and Treatment”.
Speaking briefly with VINO, Supervisor of Family and Children Services Division of the Social Development Department, Stacie Stoutt-James, said the RT roundabout was chosen because it was central in effectively showing the public the impact child abuse has on the community.
In addition to that, Head of the Social Development Department Annie Malone-Frett along with Mrs. Stoutt-James released a large blue balloon for the many cases that go unreported.
The observance of Child Abuse month began on April 3 with a thanksgiving service at the St. Williams Catholic Church. Other activities throughout the month included educational presentations at service organisations and clubs, puppet plays in most of the public schools within the Territory, puppet clinics at the Social Development Department, radio and television appearances and a parenting seminar.
The department also partnered with Akil Johnson, a Virgin Islander and survivor of child abuse, who has agreed to help raise awareness on the responsibility of the community in supporting victims of child abuse. Mr. Johnson shared his story of abuse and recovery in a short film entitled “Shattered: Breaking the Silence”, which was aired on local stations.
In light of this, Mrs. Stoutt-James had stated, “Everyone is unique and we all have different responses to events in our lives. This is especially true for victims who have experienced sexual abuse and other traumatic events.”
The department saw an increase in the number of child abuse cases reported between 2008 and 2009; in 2008, 52 cases were reported and the numbers rose to 74 in 2009. In 2010, that number dropped to 63 cases reported.
To this end, the Supervisor of Family and Children Services Division advises parents, caregivers and members of our community to remain informed and educated about the signs and facts of child abuse in all its forms.
“This is key to prevention, healing, intervention and treatment of our victims,” she added.
Article taken from Virgin Islands News Online
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British Virgin Islands News