–at ‘Girl Stand Up’ Conference
APPROXIMATELY 80 girls, aged 14 to 17, are now better equipped to identify and respond to sexual assault following a two-day “Girl Stand Up” Conference at the Watooka House in Linden.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, addressed the girls via Zoom at the conference’s opening on Wednesday, when she outlined the different categories of sexual assault recognised under the law, including Rape, Sexual Activity with a Child, Sexual Activity with a Child Family Member, and offences committed by Persons in Positions of Trust.
The DPP was unequivocal that sexual assault, whether it takes the form of rape or sexual activity with a child, is a criminal offence.
She went on to describe in detail what constitutes the offence. Ali-Hack cautioned the girls that should anyone commit such an act against them, they must report the incident to the police.
“If this happens, you can report it to either someone close to you at home or a teacher,” she said.
Acutely aware that sexual violations remain prevalent in the region, the DPP placed heavy emphasis on the fact that these criminal acts are frequently perpetrated in the home, by a close family member, relative, or someone who is trusted.
“Regardless of who it is, report the incident to your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, teacher… if they don’t take you to the police, then you go to the police station yourself,” she urged.
Building on the DPP’s address, Communications Officer Liz Rahaman used the opportunity on Thursday morning to introduce three female police ranks from the Mckenzie Police Station Sexual Offences Unit to the girls.
The officers shared their names and direct telephone numbers with the participants, giving them a direct line of contact should they ever need to report an incident.
The girls were most receptive to the DPP’s address and expressed great appreciation for the lessons learnt, as well as the opportunity to interact directly with the DPP, who took the time to listen to them and answer the intelligent questions they posed.
