Protecting the most vulnerable

Jun 03, 2015 Editorial

Protection of the most vulnerable in our society remains of utmost importance. Children are being abused daily, in all forms. Even though there are laws in place to prevent such abuse, for a number of reasons, many of them have not been properly and effectively enforced.
There is also grave concern about the direction in which children are being guided by adults, especially parents and guardians, many of whom lack the ability and parental skills to point them in the right direction. It is also in the interest of society to educate the children so that they can become productive citizens and seize the opportunity to be involved in meaningful pursuits strategies at all levels.
Of particular concern has been the prevalence of sexual abuse cases involving children. This scourge encompasses all social, economic and religious levels. One may be surprised to know that if a child from a wealthy family is sexually abused, it is harder to build a case against the abuser, simply because the affluence and “protected” environment make it more convenient for his or her parents to live a lie than face the deserving consequences and embarrassment associated with the abhorrent behaviour.
Simply put, the rights of children are being sacrificed in such cases because of the lifestyle of the perpetrators, whose preference would obviously be to maintain the status quo.
In order to overcome the challenge of children unwittingly becoming compliant victims of abuse; physical or sexual, the nature of the wrongdoing must be highlighted. Irrespective of their environment, rich or poor, children must be taught that remaining silent should not be the preferred option. They must be encouraged, even in their classrooms, to let their trusted friends know of anything that is bothering them at home. The message will get out. Not only girls are being abused, boys are also at serious risk. Many are abused by family members, neighbours, teachers, and in some cases, even priests.
Those persons with such responsibilities in the new administration must act quickly to address this ever-growing problem.
Yes, a problem does exist and yes, there are solutions, but a well-coordinated approach is required and it must begin in the home, where parents must be educated and not be ashamed to return to the profound and sacred values of society; where sex and/or money is/are not and should not be the dominant motivator as to how children are brought up.
No matter how poor a country or a community is, at no time should it be embedded in the minds of the populace, particularly our children, that only money dictates or defines societal values or is the sole factor in determining one’s future. Moreover, the life of a child should not be sacrificed because of money. In short, the bills must not be paid through the exploitation and sexual abuse of children.
Unfortunately, this seems to have become a very common practice. If many of our adults can once again acquaint themselves with the value of families and the importance of children, it may drastically reduce the incidence of the abovementioned abuse of children within and outside of the family, and by extension, communities. If people act positively and the laws related to the abuse of children are properly enforced by the authorities, the desired effect could be achieved.
The spin-off effect will be that the majority of the country’s men-folk will feel a greater sense of responsibility and no doubt embrace and proudly display that characteristic known as manhood; the women-folk will be given their due respect and provide care and guidance; and our young ones will benefit from all this and be a lot safer.

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Protecting the most vulnerable

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