Petrina Francis, Education ReporterTODAY MARKS the beginning of child month.
While we celebrate our children, there are some painful realities which we must face. Each year, hundreds of children, both boys and girls are sexually abused, and many of these cases are rarely reported, as many caregivers remain silent for a variety of reasons.
According to a 2005 United Nations Children's Fund report, children were victims of 70 per cent of sexual crimes reported to the Jamaican police in 2004. Of the 959 children who were reported sexually abused, 517 were raped, 409 carnally abused and 33 were victims of incest.
In January, it was reported that a mother was charged with negligence and remanded in custody for failing to listen to her 14-year-old daughter when the child reported that her stepfather constantly molested her.
But why would some mothers remain mum on an issue such as sexual abuse?
MOTHERS REFUSE TO SPEAK OUT
Dr. Grace Kelly, president of the National Association of Guidance Counsellors said some mothers refuse to speak out because at times, the perpetrators are the breadwinners. She added that some mothers might
genuinely want to speak out, but are powerless and fearful that the perpetrator would physically abuse her.
A mother's failure to listen to her child who is being abused, Dr. Kelly said, could have
lasting impact. She said it could affect a child's self-esteem and his or her ability to trust. The counsellor added that the child could become defiant later in life and move from one extreme to another in terms of his or her sexuality.
Sociologist Dr. Orville Taylor concurred. He told The Sunday Gleaner that some mothers remain silent because of female subordination. He explained that in a dependent situation,
the weaker party would put up with a range of abuse because she had no alternative. He pointed to a culture of silence in the society.
"In many cases, women suspend their belief or disbelief. They sometimes push themselves to a point where they refuse to accept the reality because the consequences of
facing the reality could mean that they end the relationship,".
It is normally felt that this
'culture of silence' is an inner city or rural phenomenon. However, Dr. Taylor explained, it cuts across all classes.
CLASSES
He said the middle class is less expressive about their emotions and closes ranks around shame. In addition, he noted that middle and upper-class men are more powerful and can marshal a whole range of influence, not just against the women, but also against the people who want to make it public.
But Dr. Glenda Simms,
executive director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs, said women remaining silent is not a cultural phenomenon. She said some refuse to speak out because they are powerless and have given up on fighting for themselves.
"We ignore certain crimes to our peril. Not only have we ignored them, but we think some of it is normal," said Dr. Simms.
She added: "We live in a society that truly does not respect women and we are carefully
prepared to sacrifice women."
It has been reported that some area leaders, in some inner-city communities sexually abuse and at times impregnate young girls. This, experts say, is due to lawlessness.
In order to end the cycle, Dr. Taylor suggested, "We have to create a culture of speaking out". He said The Child Care and Protection Act is a good legislation because it makes people who are aware that a child is being abused, accountable.
