The protection of Jamaican children from violence, abuse and exploitation in all its forms is one of the biggest challenges facing the nation. The high rate of crime and violence plaguing the Jamaican society has had a devastating impact on children. Over the past five years, more than 300 children, mostly boys, have been murdered. Sexual crimes against children are rampant, with girls primarily the victims. Children and adolescents make up an alarming 78 per cent of all the sexual assault/rape cases admitted to public hospitals. In the same year, girls under 16 accounted for 32 per cent of all sexual assaults in Jamaica.
Although legislation has banned corporal punishment throughout early childhood and residential care institutions, it remains the dominant form of discipline in homes, as well as in primary and secondary schools. According to Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 87 per cent of children aged 2-14 are subjected to at least one form of psychological or physical punishment.
Children regularly have their right to education and leisure activities disrupted because of violence in their communities and school closures due to civil disturbances; and boys continue to underachieve, making them more vulnerable to exploitation, violence and participation in gang activities.
Contact information
Reports can be made to the Registry by calling 1-888-PROTECT or 908-2132 or 878-2882 or 822-7031, Mondays to Sundays, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Reporting forms are also available at the Children's Registry or CDA offices islandwide, which persons can fill out and submit to the Office of the Children's Registry at 12 Carlton Crescent, Kingston 10. These reports can also be faxed to 908-2579 or emailed to ocrjamaica@yahoo.com
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