“Leading with Prevention: Creating Awareness, Promoting Alliances & Strengthening Communities” that is the theme for this week’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Week.

On Friday, November 18th, in an address to mark the occasion, Junior Minister with responsibility for Social Development, Disabilities, Aging and Gender Affairs, Hon. Isalean Phillip said that the theme surrounds the core principles of no one left behind and reminds us all of the importance of child rights, the role children play in our community, the need to nurture, protect and guide them but also the need for them to be included in every aspect of our society.

Ms. Phillip also stated that the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs continues to receive unfortunate reports of child abuse indicating how common this social problem really is.

She said however, that reports do not always tell the full picture since for every incident of abuse reported, there are still several that remain unreported.

This year, the Ministry’s celebration of World Children’s Day is therefore focused on raising awareness around child abuse and advocating for child abuse prevention. The week’s observance began on Sunday, 20th and will conclude on Friday, 25th November, 2022.

On Friday, the public is encouraged to wear the colour blue which represents the fight against child abuse. The Junior Minister was quoted as saying “you may consider Wearing something Blue, painting your nails blue, making a blue cake or dying your hair to mark the occasion and showcase your creativity in support of child abuse prevention. Persons can also take a photo and post it on social media with the hashtag #gobluedayskn!