Chief Executive Officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) Rosalee Gage-Grey, says there has been a growing trend in young children being victims of physical abuse and violence.
Her statement comes after news of the beating death of 4-year-old Nashawn Brown, by his stepfather 24-year-old Shaun Bennett of Willowdene Thruway in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
Benett is currently facing multiple assault charges, unlawful wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, cruelty to child, and child abuse.
He is scheduled to appear in the St. Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday, July 27.
Gage-Grey is urging parents to swiftly report cases of child abuse and utilize the supporting agencies available for parents who may face challenges.
Gage-Grey also says that while the CPFSA has been providing public education and training for parents, the culture of the Jamaican society has to change as this kind of abuse has a negative impact on children and notes under section nine of the child protection act parents can be charged for causing injury.
She adds the Child Protection and Family Services Agency is currently providing support for Nashawn’s family.
Meanwhile, one senior citizen is insisting Jamaicans should do more to protect their most vulnerable while denouncing the beating death.
More in this CVM Live story from Javine McLean:
