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Child Abuse and Neglect
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Child abuse and neglect can be defined as any act or failure
to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in
death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation.Child
abuse and neglect has become a very serious issue in Jamaica.
Cases of abused and neglected children and youth, as recorded
by the Child Abuse and Neglect Registry in 1995, totalled 3,500
cases. Although the present figure is not readily available,
research has revealed that since then, there has been an increase
in the number of child abuse and neglect cases. It is important
to note, that this number is not reflective of all child abuse
cases, as there are also cases that have not been reported.
One of the negative factors which contribute to the increasing
child abuse rate, is that some persons are not aware of the
differences between discipline, punishment and abuse. In addition
to this, persons lack knowledge of child abuse and neglect in
general and their characteristics, effects, etc. This website
therefore seeks to address this ignorance by providing relevant
information on child abuse and neglect, the various types,
and the signs to look for if someone
is being abused or neglected. It also offers information on
why parents/ caregivers abuse their children,
the effects of abuse on children,
the support systems available for
child abuse and neglect, and it also offers suggestions as to
what you can do to help reduce instances of child abuse. |
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