Sanford Richardson and I travelled together to Antigua as part of an Anguillian delegation to a workshop on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Child Abuse in the Caribbean. Among many things discussed, he and I agreed that it would be fitting to speak more thoroughly about child abuse in Anguilla.

Commissioner of The Department of Social Development Sanford Richardson

Child Abuse is believed to be an under-publicized practice confronting many families worldwide but in a more unique way in this region of the world due to cultural norms and family practices. Not attempting to put words into peoples’ mouths, most times when one hears the term child abuse, it is most often associated with sexual abuse. Child abuse can take many forms, however, such as: physical, psychological, economic and emotional. These may be manifested in varied forms such as prolonged non-supervision, neglect of supplying basic needs and so on. This feature article attempts to expose more of this issue while presenting supporting facts from the Annual Report of the Department of Social Development primarily with respect to sexual abuse of children. It will also endeavour to educate the public on the department’s attempts to help combat child abuse and the efforts the public can make in this regard.
Mr. Richardson was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Social Development (DSD) in 2004 after over two decades as an educator in the Anguillian Education System. He taught at both the primary and secondary level. At the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) he taught all the disciplines in the Humanities Department (History, Social Studies and Geography) as well as Religious Studies. Mr. Richardson served as Senior Teacher Pastoral as part of the schools Senior Management Team (SMT) for over ten years thus gaining invaluable experience as a middle manager. Part of his role was the coordination of the school’s Personal and Social Education Curriculum (PSE now PSHE) as well as the coordination of sixth-form studies. When he left he was one of three Guidance Counsellors at the school.
At the workshop in Antigua, participants were reminded of the vital role the media can play as a partner in the fight against Child Abuse. The media can help bring more awareness to the problem and in so doing reduce the stigma placed on silence surrounding child sexual abuse.
The Family and Social Services Unit at the DSD is the one which primarily deals with Child Abuse cases with The Juvenile Act giving the department this authority. The following, extracted from the website www.helpguide.org, defined sexual abuse, which accounts for about 10 percent of Child Abuse, as any sexual act between an adult and a child. Such acts include:
• Fondling – Touching or kissing a child’s genitals, making a child fondle an adult’s genitals.
• Behaviour involving penetration – vaginal or anal intercourse and oral sex.
• Violations of privacy – Forcing a child to undress, spying on a child in the bathroom or bedroom.
• Exposing children to adult sexuality – Performing sexual acts in front of a child, exposing genitals, telling “dirty” stories, showing pornography to a child.
• Exploitation – Selling a child’s services as a prostitute or a performer in pornography.
The article goes on to explain that the adult who sexually abuses a child or adolescent is usually someone the child knows and is supposed to trust: a relative, childcare provider, family friend, neighbor, teacher, coach or clergy member. More than 80 percent of sex offenders are people the child or adolescent victims know. It is important to understand that no matter what the adult says in defense of his or her actions, the child did not invite the sexual activity and the adult’s behavior is wrong. Sexual abuse is never the child’s fault. This last statement cannot be overemphasized as many perpetrators, and sometimes the public, try to blame the victim who in turn internalizes this guilt with devastating consequences. This is also important for persons serving on a jury in sexual abuse cases.
Although the Annual Report of the Department of Social Development is not seen by the public, Mr. Richardson is of the view that in an age of transparency and accountability that it should. The following is an extract from the DSD’s 2006 Report:

“The abuse of children is a phenomenon which continues to rip at the core of everything that is good and virtuous about humanity. There were approximately twelve reported cases of abuse. Seven were sexual offences with victims being mainly juvenile females and perpetrators adult males. In four cases the alleged perpetrator was a relative or family member. In all instances victims and perpetrators knew each other. At the close of the year all of these cases were still pending in the court.
“The perpetual delays in concluding investigations and bringing matters before the court need to be seriously addressed. Not only is the work of the department frustrated but the healing process for victims is unduly prolonged. As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied.
“As is customary, the department worked with all the parties affected ensuring that the victims and their families received the necessary support to help them through the traumatic experience. The department also reached out to the alleged perpetrators but understandably efforts were generally not accepted.”

Mr. Richardson was asked to explain more about these cases and how the department handles and will handle situations dealing with improper care of children. He explained that a report of abuse is always given priority especially if it is of a sexual nature. He added that the department always works in the best interest of the child. To this end, therefore, an officer is assigned immediately but sometimes more than one will work on the case in the initial stages. Other agencies and or government departments are also involved such as the Education Department, Police, Health Authority, AG Chambers though not necessarily in that order. Of course the parents of the child are notified if unaware. For example, if the sexual abuse is of an incestuous nature (committed by a member of the immediate family or close relative) then steps will have to be taken to ensure that there is no contact between the alleged perpetrator and the victim. In a case like this it would be best to remove the perpetrator. By law, however, it is still an allegation and therefore the perpetrator is ‘innocent until proven guilty.’ Unfortunately therefore, this often results in removal of the child from the ‘suspected environment’ and placing him/her in a safer one. Once the child is deemed as one in need of care and protection then the department ensures that the matter is taken before the court so that such an order can be made. Time is a critical factor, however.

Removing the child is a very distressing experience for all involved. The problem for the department is compounded because there is no ‘place of safety’ to which the victims can be taken. Sometimes families are able to provide acceptable options for accommodation. Failing this the department is forced to tap its limited, but faithful, list of Foster Carers. Currently, there is a shortage of foster homes.
It was here that Mr. Richardson made a plea to persons willing to use their homes as foster homes for needy children. Providers receive a small monetary contribution monthly and other support from the department. As stated before, there is no housing facility for children in need and it is for this reason why the public is so vital in this regard. The department either counsels or ensures that the victims and family members receive the necessary counselling to help them come to terms with this traumatic experience. As you would expect for some victims this may be a life-long ordeal.

It is not uncommon for the public to misinterpret the role of the department in these cases. The department’s role is not to make a judgement as to who is right or wrong. That is left to the court. Similarly, the police investigate the criminal aspect of the case. “We gather information primarily to develop a plan to provide the best therapy and or support for the victim and others touched by the experience, including the ‘alleged’ perpetrator,” Mr. Richardson explained. Of course the information gathered also helps to inform programmes and policies of the department with respect to Child Abuse. As one would appreciate, no two cases are the same.
“Nobody wins in these types of cases” affirms Mr. Richardson. “Even if the accused is found guilty …or indeed innocent, the family will never be the same. Can that child return to that environment without a sense of apprehension? Will the alleged family member feel comfortable around that child? … Nobody wins.”
In terms of preventative measures the department takes, or can take, Mr. Richardson expounded on the fact that education is key although he was quick to admit that this area needs enhancing. The sharing of information on this and other issues is so vital. People need to be knowledgeable of these practices, to know simple measures they can take in order to mitigate against the chances of becoming a sexual abuse victim. Parents, teachers and all who deal with children on a regular basis need to be cognizant as to what to look for in their children/students when it comes to abuse. Children themselves also need to recognize how their attitudes, behaviour and general disposition may make them more or less vulnerable to abuse. This is not to say that the information is not out there but that it does not always originate with the department.
The public has heard and will continue to hear a lot about Parenting Programmes. This is a deliberate attempt to help parents acquire the knowledge and skills that would help them become better parents. This too will help to create a more loving and caring environment in the home thus enhancing familial relationships. Some attempts have been made in conjunction with the education department in this regard but this has proven more difficult than first envisaged.
Also critical in this fight is collaboration and partnership with other government departments and non-governmental organisations. “Resources are scarce. There is no need for three or four groups to be working in isolation on a common cause and getting minimal results when the results can be greater if resources were pooled,” the Commissioner observed.

The Commissioner further noted the continuing efforts by a local National Child Protection Committee to develop a Child Protection Action Plan. This DFID sponsored project is one which has been done in all the British Overseas Territories. The plan will reflect both preventative and response elements. According to Mr. Richardson, the Committee has already identified the development of Interagency Protocols as a key priority in this fight. These protocols will clearly define the function of all parties involved thus minimising any confusion, overlapping of responsibilities and uncertainty. The Committee has been working with a consultant from the National Children’s Home, (NCH).
Legislation is also key in this fight. The department continues to advocate for changes in the law and the enacting of new legislation, where necessary, in the best interest of the child.

Both Mr. Richardson and I agreed that sexual abuse gets a great deal of attention because of its apprehensible nature. While it is the most reported form of abuse that comes before the department, the statistics do not give a true picture of the widespread nature of the practice.
In order to help, the Commissioner urges Anguillians and residents to try to become cognizant of what is happening around them in terms of Child Abuse. All must pay attention. As mentioned earlier, the department is in dire need of foster homes so that abused children and others in need can be cared for. He also encourages persons to continue making contributions to the needy either directly or through the department. There are also many planned activities throughout the year in which volunteers are certainly needed.

Child Abuse is a difficult practice to confront and overcome. With the help of everyone it must be combated nonetheless. Cases must be reported, arrests made quickly and due process is tantamount to a human’s need for water. Obviously a stigma surrounds this issue but, in all fairness, when it comes to the protection of an innocent child who cannot defend him/herself, self-pride should not get in the way.
Mr. Richardson and his team work diligently and are to be commended for their tireless efforts. Anyone wishing to offer their services as a Foster Carer can contact the department at telephone numbers 497 2317; 497 5917 or email dsd@gov.ai. On behalf of all Anguillians and residents, The Anguillian thanks the Department of Social Development.

-Jason Allen

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