THE report in the press of an accused sexual felon, sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for sodomising a young boy, is indeed personally satisfying, in addition to the approval of such a condign judicial sanction must have received from the nation at large. To the victim and family, also, great satisfaction and some amount of closure, barring the uphill task of the psychological battle with which the victim has to cope. It is an unequivocal declaration from the judiciary that it takes an extreme view of such a heinous crime, and that those convicted in the courts can expect no mercy.
Based on data emanating from the Child Protection Agency, on the numerous reports it has been receiving, child sexual abuse in Guyana is at epidemic levels. But, this is only the proverbial tip of the iceberg, since there are always large numbers of these cases that are unreported.
However, given the Ministry of Human Services pro-active strategies, with the latest being the ‘Tell’ campaign, designed for children to report any form of abuse that they may have experienced, it is hoped that the fight against this social malady will result in more offenders being exposed and prosecuted.
A particular benefit of such an extreme judicial decision, is that it will encourage parents/guardians of young victims, to report such instances to the relevant authorities for immediate action, being assured that the courts, once proper evidence is given, will apply the necessary sanction.
Finally, such heavy penalties must be the way to deal with these perverts; and, it is hoped also that laws are promulgated to deal with those parents, many of whom adopt a denial approach for reasons that are now well known, who are complicit in the dark and dastardly act of sexual abuse of their daughters.
It is hoped also, that the long overdue commencement of the Family Court, will begin to function without much delay, for quick expediting of such a category of offence which, from prior reports, it is mandated to hear.