NOPCA holds Child Abuse Prevention Week
The reports of the sexual abuse of children may not seem as frequent these days, but sex crimes against children continue and every day children are battered by their mothers, fathers and other relatives. As part of their public awareness campaign the National Organization for the Prevention of Child Abuse is sponsoring a week of activities which began with a church service on Sunday. It includes presentations in primary schools and communities all over Belize. The theme this year, “Together We Can, Take a Stand, Stop Abuse” encourages people to report abuse when they see it, and reach out to others in the community. As Janelle Chanona found out, people are starting to take a stand.
Zaida Young, NOPCA
“We see that people are not as hesitant to report to us or just pick up the phone and call NOPCA. They don’t even have to give their name. All they need to do is give us the address and name of the child, people are now more comfortable with that.”
The recent onslaught of reported child abuse cases may seem troubling at first but the National Organization for the Prevention of Child Abuse sees the increased awareness as the first step in breaking the cycle of child abuse. Besides distributing posters, NOPCA goes into the classroom to talk to the children.
Neima Novelo, Youth Coordinator, NOPCA
“I would ask them what is a bad touch? They would tell me basically, when somebody touch you at your penis or at the private parts. Or, what is abuse? One little boy told me, when somebody burns you with a cigarette.
We try to tell them words to overcome that, how to be strong, how to gain self-confidence. The theme for this year is, “Prevention Education through Critical Thinking”. It’s for the middle division. Basically for them to think critically on their inner feelings and how they can overcome whatever obstacles.”
But while the children might be more willing to talk about what is happening in their lives, some parents might not be. Realizing that what affects the parent affects the child, NOPCA has begun a parenting program for PTA and health clinics. It includes information on the effects of domestic violence on the entire family. Janelle Chanona for News Five.
Child Abuse Prevention Week culminates in a march on Saturday from Albert Street to the Memorial Park and a concert later that afternoon at the park. NOPCA is holding a two-day open house which ends on Wednesday. If you would like to report a case of child abuse please call NOPCA at 78834.
