Minister for Social Services, Family & Gender Affairs Catherine Daniel says abuse of boys is on the rise

​Meanwhile, Minister for Social Services, Family & Gender Affairs Catherine Daniel says abuse of boys is on the rise.  “We often say that our girls are at risk, but the data shows that, although to a lesser extent, the boys are also at risk, and this is increasing,” she noted. Daniel indicated that in 2010 there were 39 reported cases of boys being abused, but in 2015 the number jumped to 47 boys, “being violated in whatever way.”
 
She stated that there are too many reported cases of child abuse in Dominica. “Indeed child abuse has been a problem in Dominica for decades past and up to recent times,” she stated. “There have unfortunately been too many reported cases, with child sexual abuse being the most relevant.”
 
She described child abuse as a ‘scourge that should be wiped out’ completely from every country, “and the success of the battle to eradicate it depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders.” She said her ministry will remain relentless in its efforts, “to stop this monstrosity” through the child Abuse Prevention Unit of the Welfare Division.