Violence against children worry Chang

A 10-year-old girl was allegedly abducted from the gates of a school in central Jamaica and sexually assaulted, law-enforcement officials have said.

The incident happened on Tuesday, just days after a 13-year-old girl was stabbed to death in Flanker, St James.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, said the latest incidents are cause for serious concern.

“These incidents are deeply troubling,” said Chang.

He has expressed deep concern over a number of serious incidents of violence reported since the start of the month.

“When our children and other vulnerable members of society become victims of such violence, the impact extends beyond the individual and their families. It affects the sense of safety in our communities and threatens the future of our country,” Chang said.

Chang expressed condolences to the family of the 13-year-old and to all persons affected by the incidents.

He said the circumstances surrounding the St James stabbing, including reports that the conflict began through interactions on social media, have highlighted the need for greater attention to the way young people use and interact on social media platforms.

The minister said the Government will examine measures to better manage social media use among youth, particularly where online disputes and interactions can contribute to real-world conflict and violence.

Chang also said the Government will pursue a series of coordinated approaches to address the different forms and drivers of violence, with increased coordination among case managers operating in affected schools and communities.

“We will root out criminal elements and give no room for them to gain a foothold in our communities,” Chang said.

He said the Peace agenda will complement the work of the security forces by strengthening violence prevention, conflict resolution, early intervention and community-based approaches to safety.

“The protection of our children and vulnerable citizens requires all of us to play our part. Government will continue to strengthen the systems and partnerships needed to prevent violence, protect our people and build a safer Jamaica,” Chang said.