Sylvia Wynter's Dream

Often times sexually abused children are bound to silence in an effort to reduce futher harm from their perpetrators.

Could this be the start of major mental health issues in Jamaica?

Children are sometimes classified as the young minds of the future; this may suggest that the future of Jamaica is in jeopardy as it relates to children suffering from sexual abuse. Their minds are the primary factor that contributes to mental health problems; that is, an unhealthy mind is equivalent to an unhealthy mental state.

A therapist may be a step towards the healthy side, but is it enough to combat this plague?

Or is it enough to only recognize little girls as the victims? In our culture it is seen as a part of growing up, a goal or a prize when young males are sexually exposed to adult women. However, this is the start of these young males experiencing serious mental issues, that is, they may choose to hide what has happened to avoid humiliation from family members and friends or dictate the story in such a way that they may not be seen as ‘weak’. I think we should do better for our future law makers, nurses, doctor etc. There is a popular saying in Jamaica that says,”fi avoid the germs, boil the water“- let us start treating traumas from a tender age to prevent the lost of lives in the future.

I have a few suggestions that each individual can do to help remedy this problem:

• Listen– it is such a simple word yet few persons can master it. Sometimes children victims just want a listening ear, it goes a long way.
• Do not ignore– Parents or guardians can easily fall into the act of neglecting their own children because they ignore things that are taking place infront of them. When things seem to be suspicious or doesn’t ‘add-up’-keep a keen eye. Ignoring is not the answer especially when it involves your child or younger relative.
• Believe– If your child or someone you know shares their abusive experience with you, please don’t turn your back on them! Believe that what they are saying is true and act on it.
• Do not turn a ‘blind-eye’: It is against the law to condone in child abuse; even if you are not the perpetrator but knows about it and keeps it a secret, you are participating by turning a blind eye.
• Report it– If you know somone that is goign through this, please report it. Don’t wait until it is too late. Ensure that you report it to someone trust worthy.