REGION Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, has assured that she will be working diligently with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to tackle the rising number of sexual abuse cases involving children in the region.During a recent statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) when numerous concerns were raised by a Child Protection Officer, the urgent need for a psychologist in the region was underscored.

The officer, Tannecisa Spellen-Singh, disclosed that 12 new cases have been recorded so far for the month of March. She provided this information shortly after the Standing Order was amended to allow her to speak. Subsequently, De Silva registered her concern over the rise in the cases.

Despite efforts, this newspaper was unable to gather figures for previous months. Officials were hesitant to release the numbers and insisted that there is an increase in the number of cases.The council had requested previously that someone from the region’s Department of Human Services and Social Security be present at the meeting to provide an update on the situation.

Spellen-Singh, during her presentation, made calls for a psychologist in the region to offer psychotherapy to the underage victims. In addition to the 12 cases which are being investigated, there are three teenagers who are pregnant and another three who were physically abused.

According to Spellen-Singh, the Human Services Department is working diligently to address cases that are reported. She, however, said that the department continues to face numerous challenges which include offering psychotherapy to abused children. She also requested that there be a holding centre to house the juveniles while their cases are being investigated.

She explained that due to the absence of such a facility, victims are placed in a medical institution.She stressed that it is critical that the region gets psychologists to not only counsel the children but to also give advice to the authorities.

Further, the officer urged persons to take up a responsible role in society and report any act of mistreatment or neglect omitted against a child or children. She said the department continues to work collaboratively with the Guyana Police Force to pursue such cases in region.

She also reminded the council that the age for consent for a child is 16 years and that anyone who forces a child to perform a sexual act will be punished once found guilty by the court. After listening to the officer’s report, the Regional Chairperson said that she will be looking into the availability of an already-identified building.

She said that the RDC does not have keys for that building since the previous Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, had locked it up and claimed ownership. The council heard that that matter is presently before the court.

Meanwhile, another People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) councillor, Raghunauth Doodnauth, requested that full-time counsellors be placed at schools. He said that the Department of Education provides School Welfare Officers who offer counselling to children. However, he believes that this should be on a full- time basis.

Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt, who is the clerk of the RDC, said he is very concerned about the situation. He expressed concern that the abused children are being held at a medical facility. He then used the opportunity to urge that the acquisition of a suitable building be expedited. Anyone wishing to report a case of abuse meted out to a child can contact the department’s hotline number: 623-1789.