Violence against Caribbean children

Violence Against Children In The Caribbean Region The nations of the Caribbean are an eclectic set: including small islands as well as quite substantial continent-bound countries; countries independent for over 40 years, some still dependents of the colonial states; middle-high level incomes to the poorest state in the Western hemisphere; some with rates of violence among the highest in the world, and others fairly idyllic with crime almost non-existent. The Caribbean presents a unique case with respect to research on child rights and child rights issues. It has been found that the legacy of slavery may help to explain the social and cultural traditions that have hindered acceptance of the child rights revolution. The widespread use and subsequent acceptance of physical punishment as a suitable form of disciplining and punishing children, and even to some extent adults, is undoubtedly a legacy of slavery. It has also been suggested that the emphasis on criminal sanctions as a means of solving social problems rather than more passive alternatives such as conflict resolution or mediation evident in much of the new legislation concerning the protection of children, may also reflect the continued influence of values associated with the period when the institution of slavery was central to Caribbean societies.The legacy of the colonial period has proven to be a barrier to the child rights revolution. Physical Violence The use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline is common in the Caribbean region and is used to discipline children from very young ages.There is widespread support for the use of corporal punishment by parents in the Caribbean although severe forms of punishment leading to injury are generally not condoned. Similarly, surveys of children’s views report that the majority of children themselves believe that physical punishment is a valid and necessary form of discipline. Sexual Violence In the vast majority of reported cases of sexual abuse, the victims are girls.There is a general belief in the Caribbean that girls in single parent households are most at risk and that the perpetrator is most often the stepfather or mother’s boyfriend.The under reporting of sexual abuse is reported to be partially due to the condoning of the abusive sexual relationship by other household members due to financial dependence on the perpetrator. Even in cases where the perpetrator is reported, the legal procedures can prevent prosecution. For example, children need to be able to give credible evidence and the defense lawyers are often so intimidating that the child becomes upset and confused and the evidence is declared not credible. A matter of concern in the Caribbean is the limited provision of services relating to family rehabilitation. A focus only on the victim leads to the child’s life being disrupted and the perpetrator often being left to victimize other children. Efforts to address violence against children require better coordination, reporting procedures and management. This includes a specific and documented budget focused on the plight of the children. Greater participation of children in addressing the issues must be observed. In addition, further studies must be commissioned to unearth and understand the extent of the problem before policies can be formulated to adequately and efficiently address the issues. Reference UNICEF(2006)VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION: A REGIONAL ASSESSMENT Retrieved on March 27, from http://www.unicef.org/lac/Caribe_web(1).pdf