NASSAU, The Bahamas — Officials of the Ministry of Social Services and its sub-agency, the Department of Social Services, have teamed up with two of the country’s corporate citizens to develop a series of Panel Boards that are expected to take the fight against Child Abuse “to the next level.”
Corporate Citizens CIBC, First Caribbean Bank International and Aitken Imaging Sign Shop combined to fund and produce the Panel Boards, which portray various features of child abuse.
Minister of Social Services Melanie S. Griffin, said the Panel Boards will be “prominently displayed” throughout New Providence in the initial stage.
“These boards will help disseminate the message that every child matters and that child abuse is wrong and must not be tolerated,” Mrs. Griffin said.
“It is indeed notable that these Panel Boards have been made possible through the good graces and sponsorship of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank and Aitken Imaging Sign Shop (as) partnerships such as these help to advance public education and give the Government of The Bahamas a longer reach in its fight against the social issues that face our country.
“These Panel Boards will be a constant reminder that child abuse is an ever present reality and that all cases of suspected abuse must be reported to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Ministry of Social Services through the Department of Social Services,” Mrs. Griffin added.
Mrs. Griffin said the Child Protection Act, 2007, mandates that all forms of child abuse must be reported within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Reports can be made to the Department of Social Services through the National Hotline: 322-2763 (Toll Free) or 422-2763.
Callers are not required to identify themselves and if they do, their identity is kept confidential. Persons wishing to make reports in person can do so at the Child Protection Unit located in the Alexander House, Robinson Road, the former National Insurance Building.
“I invite the public to join us in our ongoing campaign to eradicate child abuse which has a negative effect on a child’s self-esteem and self-worth and can scar a child for life,” Mrs. Griffin added.
By Matt Maura
Bahamas Information Services
