Editors' Forum | End violence against Jamaican children

At a Gleaner Editors' Forum yesterday, stakeholders shared why it was critical that all of Jamaica take on the 'End the Violence against Jamaican Children' campaign.

Janet Cupidon-Quallo, UNICEF's child protection specialist

"It is a human rights issue and the child has a right to be protected from violence abuse, exploitation, and neglect."

Rochelle Clarke-Grey, acting director, research and evaluation unit, Ministry of National Security

"Because every life matters."

Richard Troupe, training and investigating officer, Safety and Security Unit, Ministry of Education

"Because together, we can."

Pauline Pink, detective inspector, legal officer, CISOCA

"All cases of child abuse, be it sexual or otherwise, is wrong, and we want to send a strong message to all Jamaicans that we must report all these matters to CISOCA."

Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan, professor of child health and development at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI

"Violence damages the brains of our children and impacts the future of our country by impairing adult development."

Rosalee Gage-Grey, executive director, Child Development Agency

"Adverse childhood experiences have a long-term effect and impact our children, and it is also an economic issue."

Rodje Malcolm, Jamaicans for Justice

"Adults need to end violence against children because children cannot end it. They're dependent on us."