Police yesterday expressed alarm at the spike in sex crimes against children in Trinidad and Tobago. They made the comment after pointing out that so far for the year there have been 926 reports overall of serious crimes against children – which suggests an average of approximately three reports every day.
So far for 2018 there have been 564 reports of sexual penetration against young victims, almost double what it was for the same period last year.
The “frightening” statistics were disclosed the T&T Police Service (TTPS) Child Protection Unit’s Sgt Michelle Lewis at yesterday’s TTPS’ weekly media briefing.
Lewis said for the comparative period January 1 to October 31, 2017, there were 360 reports of sexual penetration while for the same period in 2018 there were 564 reports.
“For the same period there were 121 reports of sexual touching in 2017 and 217 reports in 2018, representing an increase of 79 per cent,” Lewis said.
“Overall, there have been 584 reports of serious crimes against children in 2017 and 926 reports of serious crimes against children in 2018. The figures reflect an increase of 59 per cent in the current year. Of these reports, there are 353 matters currently before the courts.”
Lewis also warned parents in estranged relationships that they should not use children as tools to inflict harm on each other by making false reports aimed at gaining an advantage in custody and maintenance matters. She said in cases where such reports are proven to be false, “such persons will be prosecuted.”
“Persons who are in relationships where domestic violence exists must be mindful of the likelihood that children are defenceless and vulnerable to the effects of such abuse, and it should be reported,” Lewis said.
“In recent times, there have been several reports of heinous crimes committed in the presence of children. These acts expose children in a manner likely to cause psychological and emotional harm.”
Lewis made it clear that such acts are tantamount to the offence of Cruelty to a Child, according to Section 4 of the Children’s Act No. 12 of 2012.
Nearing the closing of schools next month for the Christmas season, Lewis urged parents to be vigilant about who their children are around and what activities they are engaged in.
“Aim to be your child’s confidante and if not you, at least one other relative whom your child respects and can trust. Look out for our young ones and report all cases of abuse against children,” Lewis said.
On November 20, Universal Children’s Day will be celebrated globally and the unit will be partnering with several schools throughout the country to promote the welfare and the rights of a child, she said.
This day is commemorated to bring awareness about children who have experienced violence in the form of abuse, exploitation and discrimination around the world.