Children hold the brightest rays of hope for the future, which child abuse has the potential to destroy because it violates a child’s dignity, security, vulnerability, and self-worth. Every child has the right to feel safe and to be provided with every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Laws are in place to protect children and the Department of Social Services is the lead agency in ensuring that these rights are not infringed upon. Children are worthy of our love and respect and should be treated as such. If they are not, the long-lasting effects of abuse will eventually lead to society’s breakdown.

There are clearly defined behaviors which the Department regards as abuse, abuse being the ill treatment of a child. What are they?

Neglect – Neglect is failure to provide for the basic needs of a child. Various types involve failure to provide for food, clothing, educational, health, spiritual, and social needs.

Abandonment – This involves permanently leaving a child to survive on its own, or leaving the child in the care of others, whether that other person consents or not.

Physical Abuse – The use of excessive force to punish a child.

Sexual abuse/Incest – The use of a child for sexual gratification.

Emotional Abuse – Withholding love from a child; showing favoritism, etc.

Verbal Abuse – The use of words as weapons to hurt a child.

Child abuse can be reduced by providing safe havens, emotional, social, legal, and financial support to victims and at-risk families, and by holding offenders accountable.

If you know or suspect that a child is being abused, please contact the Child Protection Unit at 397-2550, or the Hotlines at 322-2763/422-2763. Trained staff will ensure that interventions occur and that the matter is held in strictest confidence.

--Article written by Mrs. Lorraine Duvalier, member of the Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church. She also serves as the Acting Deputy Director, Administration Department of Social Services, for the Governemnt of the Bahamas.