BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOLLOWING the recent publication of an article headlined “Nine-year-old allegedly raped by senior family member”, Commissioner Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn contacted SKNVibes and insinuated that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is mandated to investigate and arrest all perpetrators who have harmed the nation’s children in this manner.
In an email to this media house, Commissioner Walwyn said, “Sir, I have read your last article and wish to state that it is the policy of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force to investigate every claim and arrest every perpetrator who would seek to harm our children. I have submitted some warning tips for parent and would ask that you print these for public viewing.
Listed below are the contents of the Commissioner’s “Warning Signs in Children and Adolescents of Possible Child Sexual Abuse”.
Any one sign doesn't mean that a child was sexually abused, but the presence of several suggests that you begin asking questions and consider seeking help. Keep in mind that some of these signs can emerge at other times of stress such as:
• During a divorce
• Death of a family member or pet
• Problems at school or with friends
• Other anxiety-inducing or traumatic events
• Behavior you may see in a child or adolescent
• Has nightmares or other sleep problems without an explanation
• Seems distracted or distant at odd times
• Has a sudden change in eating habits
• Refuses to eat
• Loses or drastically increases appetite
• Has trouble swallowing
• Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, insecurity or withdrawal
• Leaves “clues” that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues
• Writes, draws, plays or dreams of sexual or frightening images
• Develops new or unusual fear of certain people or places
• Refuses to talk about a secret shared with an adult or older child
• Talks about a new older friend
• Suddenly has money, toys or other gifts without reason
• Thinks of self or body as repulsive, dirty or bad
• Exhibits adult-like sexual behaviors, language and knowledge
• Signs more typical of younger children
• An older child behaving like a younger child (such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking)
• Has new words for private body parts
• Resists removing clothes when appropriate times (bath, bed, toileting, diapering)
• Asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games
• Mimics adult-like sexual behaviors with toys or stuffed animal
• Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training
In a follow-up article, SKNVibes intends to publish additional information provided by Commissioner Walwyn in an attempt to prevent child sexual abuse.
SKNVibes is also willing and ready to accept any written document or interviews with professionals on protection of child sexual abuse in an attempt to prevent children falling victims to unscrupulous men as well as to educate the masses on this seemingly growing issue of which many cases go unreported.
