Children and Human Rights advocates in Dominica have expressed strong support for the Kalinago Child Support Foundation Inc. (KCSF Inc.) and its Banner Initiative amid rising cases of child abuse on the island. The initiative was officially launched on Thursday.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Child Abuse Crisis
According to the Welfare Division‘s study, Dominica is witnessing increasing child abuse cases, including:
- 4 inadequate supervision cases
- 17 cases of children beyond parental control
- 21 cases of emotional abuse
- 38 cases of physical abuse
- 54 cases of sexual abuse
- 63 cases of neglect
Human Rights Advocate Delia Cuffy-Weekes stressed that these figures represent only a fraction of the actual cases. She criticized the public’s tendency to deny such issues, stating, “We have a nation of Ostriches; if I bury my head in the sand, and I don’t hear it, it’s not happening.” She emphasized the reality of child abuse throughout Dominica.
Banner Initiative and Community Involvement
The Banner Initiative encourages business owners to invest $5,000 each for banners featuring their logos, to be displayed across the island. Cuffy-Weekes highlighted that support can extend beyond financial contributions, urging the public to consider donating time and talent toward advocacy.
Community members are encouraged to pool resources for sponsoring a banner, contributing to the solution by offering their skills and creativity. Cuffy-Weekes suggested, “Do I have the talent? It doesn’t have to be talk because sometimes people get tired of talking, but if you have the ability to write a song, to create something on Tiktok even, but there is a place for our youth in there, and if we can add value to what they do, they too can contribute to the campaign.”
Call for Financial Support
The public is encouraged to make annual financial contributions to KCSF Inc., regardless of the amount. Culture Ambassador Leeroy Wadix Charles announced that local businessman Foued Issa has already joined the initiative, urging other business owners to support KCSF Inc. “He is the first business place to come on board with this initiative and is using his influences to get his friends in the community to get on board,” Charles stated.
The Banner Initiative represents a collective effort to combat child abuse in Dominica, calling on businesses, individuals, and communities to unite and address this pressing issue.
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