Dear Editor,
Sexual assault on minors is the ultimate evil that any human being can commit. Unfortunately, our children are forever being hunted down by these brutal pedophiles (male and female), who continue to veil their conduct, simply because the community does not pay keen attention to what they say and do. Hence, in order to reduce this vicious attack on the innocent, this society must go back to the place where we were once the protector of all children.
It is quite alarming that the children of this country are almost left on their own to protect themselves. Why? Simply because the mechanisms to keep them safe are either too fragmented or basically non-existent. So, as a people, we would have to hold the Justice Ministry accountable, for this continuous lapse in prolonging the suffering of our children.
I know that this is not an easy nor a pleasant subject to address, but we as adults are responsible for the welfare of all children. It is a fact that the denial of the act always overshadows the reality, but we would have to garner the strength and become more vigilant, if we expect the future of this country to be governed by healthy minds. So, I am hoping that the community will commit to this sincere plea.
Women seem to be more sensitive to the issues that affect the lives of children. Therefore, I am kindly requesting that the incoming Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling take a comprehensive view of the effects of child molestation, and incorporate this analysis within her 100 days of orientation. Chairlady, I’m letting you know from now, that this would be my area of concern and my contention with you, if this issue is being ignored.
Just to give you a little background on this topic. In 2013, I visited a friend of mine. Due to my extremely curious and perceptive nature, I detected a very peculiar interaction between an adult and his 3-year-old stepdaughter, when he came to pick her up. Disturbed by my suspicion, which turned out to be accurate, I decided to do something about this very unfortunate situation.
At first, I had no idea what to say or how to bring across my message. All I knew is that I had to help the child. So, I did a bit of research on the subject. Then, I began writing about this horrible situation, with the hope that the community would be more aware of this plague that is destroying the lives of our children, and their families. For months, I submitted an article every week, pertaining to this specific subject.
The first article generated so many reviews. Then, friends of mine started sharing lots of incidents about their family members. I was surprised! But they encouraged me to write, because the information was like therapy for them and they also gained a lot of knowledge. Even now, I’ve been asked, why I am not writing about this topic anymore.
I believe that the manner in which this matter is being dealt with is not doing justice to all of the victims, who are affected directly. I am not completely aware of the intricacies of the laws that surround sexual abuse of minors, and so there are times when I became furious after a verdict was being rendered, because it appeared that no justice was done to these wounded individuals.
Not to labour the content of this article, my earnest desire is for your ministry to take the lead in bringing more awareness to the public, with regard to the laws. In addition, to establish a serious collaboration with all sectors that fall directly under your ministry.
I’m not asking for you to micromanage any of the divisions. But if you can establish a system that would keep your supporting team in the loop all the time, it will keep you abreast of current situations that may warrant your immediate attention.
Not only that, this constant flow of information would be the catalyst to amend some outdated laws or even to introduce new regulations, that would create a more equitable outcome for the injured.
Joslyn Morton
