News

The month of April is internationally recognised as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, and the Ministry of the Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities, Local Government and Labour is undertaking various initiatives to help combat child abuse in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Minister of the Family et al., Hon. Lavern Gibson-Velox, highlighted some of the plans they intend to embark upon while delivering her feature address at the Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month 2026 launch ceremony, held on Tuesday, 31st March, 2026.

Among the activities, the Ministry will host child protection training workshops for mandatory reporters such as police officers, medical personnel, and teachers, to better equip them with the skills to recognise the signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and take timely action to protect the children of the nation.

Throughout the month of April, the Child Development Division, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and key stakeholders, will conduct other activities to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect.

Minister Gibson-Velox noted that approximately 183 reports of abuse and neglect were received locally in 2025, a slight decrease from the previous year.

The Minister added that “while it is indicative that some people are speaking up, it also sadly reminds us that many cases go unreported.” She also urged those in attendance to “speak out against child abuse. If you see or even suspect that a child is being abused, you have a duty to report it. Your voice could be the voice that saves a child from harm.”

SOURCE: The Agency for Public Information (API)