By Royan Abrams| September 2024
As of August 31, 2024, the Childcare and Protection Agency has addressed 2,753 cases of child abuse, a figure revealed during a Child Protection Week event held at the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the critical importance of safeguarding children.
Levine Gouveia, the Acting Director of the agency, emphasized the pressing need for global advocacy in child protection.
She highlighted that both Guyana and the global community continue to face a troubling number of cases related to child endangerment.
In her presentation, Gouveia provided a breakdown of the reported cases: 604 were classified as physical abuse, 784 as sexual abuse, 169 as verbal abuse, 1,084 as neglect, 97 as emotional abuse, with three cases of abandonment and 32 instances of witness abuse.
Gouveia reiterated the ongoing challenges in ensuring that children are placed in safe, supportive environments conducive to their growth and development.
Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance to prevent neglect and abuse.
She urged teachers to closely observe their students, as behavioral changes might indicate issues at home or in their surroundings.
The Minister called for a collaborative approach among educational professionals and the Childcare and Protection Agency to effectively identify and address the needs of every child.
She also advocated for listening to children’s concerns and ensuring their well-being through robust childcare and protection measures.