Kingston, Jamaica:
The Office of The Children’s Advocate (OCA) is condemning the rape and killing of 8 year old Selena Edmund, of Top Hill, St. Thomas who was reportedly raped and then her throat slashed yesterday, February 3, 2014. The OCA extends its condolences and deepest sympathies to the family of Selena.
“Absolutely no parent or guardian should have to endure the agonizing pain of having to bury their child under these gruesome and heart-rending circumstances,” Children’s Advocate, Mrs. Diahann Gordon Harrison, noted.
Mrs. Gordon Harrison added that communities must rise up and put an end to child abuse, as their silence is costing our children their lives. “We must as a nation say enough is enough as we cannot continue to slaughter our children. Where persons in communities know or even suspect that a child may be abused, we at the OCA implore them to make a report and speak out, as their silence or turning a blind eye to the problem will only result in heartache.”
“The OCA will continue to sensitize persons about the ill-effects of child abuse not only just on our families, but our nation as a whole. Consequently we will be embarking on a new media campaign that will not only broaden awareness of the mandate of the Office, but one that will also seek to positively change the behavior of every Jamaican, as there is absolutely no excuse to child abuse,” Mrs. Gordon Harrison stated.
“With regard to this specific incident, the OCA joins the Minister of National Security, The Honourable Peter Bunting, in his Unite for Change campaign, and urges anyone with information about the rape and murder of young Selena to tell what they know to the Police so that those responsible can be held accountable. The OCA pledges its support to this on-going effort as we strive to advance the best interests of Jamaica’s children,” The Children’s Advocate added.
Under the Child care and Protection Act (CCPA) all adults are duty bound to ensure that the right and best interests of all children are preserved at all times.
If you have information, know, or suspect that a child is being abused call 1-888-PROTECT (1-888-776-8328), or email: report@oca.gov.jm.
Photo Caption: Diahann Gordon Harrison
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