The Child Abuse Prevention Team of the National Parenting Programme has published an informative brochure aimed at educating families, caregivers and the population at large.
The brochure is titled Break the Cycle of Child Abuse in the Cayman Islands. Aimed at helping children at risk, the brochure touches upon types of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, states a GIS press release.
Break the Cycle seeks to counter a traditional culture of silence surrounding this issue, which often results in long-term harm to victims, and feelings of resentment against family, neighbours and others who knew of the abuse.
‘Over the past two years the various NPP efforts, along with input from families, counsellors, police, social workers, and others, have indicated troubling trends in this area,’ said project coordinator Debbie Webb.
She added that, as the causes may include negative influences, increased family stresses, and differences in parenting styles by parents/caregivers, the brochure and other efforts should serve to inform residents of the norms and expectations of effective discipline and parenting in the Cayman Islands.
The flyer, which was designed by Government Information Services, also offers tips and prevention strategies, and contact numbers for those seeking help, or wishing to report suspected abuse.
The Child Abuse Prevention Team is comprised of representatives from the Legal Department, Health Services Authority, Education Department and public schools, Family Support Unit, the Women’ s Crisis Centre, as well as social workers from the Department of Children and Family Services. They have also been reviewing the protocol for child abuse referral and investigation for several months.
In addition to this publication, a pilot child abuse prevention education school-based programme is being implemented in two public primary schools. This school-based programme is open to all schools and it is envisioned that the programme will become a part of each school’s curriculum.
The brochure will be available at the DFCS, medical offices, and other locations throughout the Cayman Islands. For more information on this and other national parenting efforts, please contact the Department of Children and Family Services at 949-0290.
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