— most common abuses of children in Guyana, report finds

A STUDY on Child Neglect in Guyana has found that physical abuse is the most common form of abuse meted out to children followed by abandonment and medical, educational and emotional neglect.

The findings of the study done by ChildLink Inc., in collaboration with the Rights of the Child (ROC) and the European Union (EU) were presented at Moray House Trust, Camp and Quamina Streets, on Friday.

According to researcher Paulette Henry, most causes of child neglect stem from lack of finances, mental health, death, separation of parents and single parents working shifts, among other things.

The report which also found that most parents in Guyana earn less than $30,000 per month was compiled from interviews from parents, caregivers and children in all the regions except Regions One, Two, Eight and Nine.

The research team came up with a local definition of child neglect, which says the parents or caregivers are unable to meet the basic needs of children such as food, shelter, ensure that the child goes to school, have access to medical attention, leaving children unattended and beating a child.

Henry said in Region One, it was found that there are only three welfare officers managing 77 schools and there is slow police response to neglect cases.

Highlighting key findings, she said in 2012-2016, Region Four saw a spike in child neglect cases which totalled 1200 and more boys dropped out of the school system than girls.

But in the case of boys, they are more likely to be affected by youth crime.

Between 2012-2016, 34 per cent of neglect cases for children between the ages of 8-13 was recorded, mostly from single-parent homes where women were the only parents of their children.

Ambassador to the Delegation of the European Union Jernej Videtic, said every child should be respected and protected, and as such, efforts are being made to ensure children are safe and educated.

COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

He related that human rights are among the core values of the European Union and said greater emphasis must be placed on prevention of child abuse, a move which will entail working with all relevant stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ann Green, said the Child Neglect Report is beneficial in the sense that it includes recommendations which will enhance the work of stakeholders.

She pointed out that more resources are needed for the agency to do more as it relates to prevention of child neglect in Guyana at a community-based level, where it is often effective in the growth and development of children.

Green stated that more needs to be done in the education of children in terms of approach and services, where a wide network base is developed since they need partnership to keep children safe.

She told the gathering that for the opening of schools, civil society played a major role in donating to vulnerable children which was commendable; and it is such a collective effort they need because keeping children safe is everybody’s business.

With that said, Green urged all to get on board since the report will enhance efforts of partnerships to keep children safe and urged communities and religious bodies to get involved to provide services.

She lamented the need for neighbourhood participation, pointing out that Region Seven has the highest rate of child abuse followed by Region One.

Commissioner of Rights of the Child, Colleen Anthony, said the Child Neglect Report was conducted by Child Rights Alliance Initiative which revealed that child abuse is a worrying problem in society.

Patron of ChildLink Inc Ameena Gafoor said the report focused on four types of child neglect and targeted Regions Four and Five before expanding to Regions Six, Seven and 10.

Gafoor said the report is geared towards providing pertinent information to prevent abuse and neglect of children, since the home is supposed to be the safest place for children.