Dear Editor,
Firstly, l would like to extend my sincerest condolence to the family of the deceased child, and to all families who have recently lost a child to abuse or violence.
I pen this letter to hopefully shed light on the seriousness of what has become the unspeakable truth in this country.
l am not here to point fingers at the mother of the deceased child, nor comment on an ongoing court matter. However, it’s paramount that l take the opportunity as an advocate and a responsible citizen to create community awareness of this topic.
“It can not be when the root is neglected that what springs from it will be well ordered.”- Confucius, The Wisdom of Confucius
The relationship between child abuse and neglect has been vastly understated and under-reported in this country. Moreso, the largest proportion of child neglect cases are undocumented. The reality is that we don’t have the luxury of not knowing about the impact of what child neglect does to a child, nor the time it takes to act.
While child neglect issues are not unique to our country. However, cases are frequently occurring within our communities, not only are they alarming; but a cause for concern.
Whether passive or willful, mild or severe, no family is exempt from child neglect or abuse.
So, what is child neglect?
According to Wikipedia, “child neglect is a form of abuse, an act of caregivers (e.g. parents) that result in depriving children of their basic needs such as failure to provide adequate supervision, health care, clothing or housing, as well as other physical, emotional, social, educational, and safety needs.”
Further research shows that child neglect coexists with other forms of maltreatment, abuse, and adversities. Such as exposing a child to violence between parent or any adult, improper care, immediate harm or danger, ignoring, insulting, threatening to harm the child, and showing recklessness in regard to a child’s total well-being.
In addition, studies also state that a child who suffers from neglect oftentimes has an attachment disorder and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development issues.
While it is the responsibility of both parents to provide, nurture, love, and protect their children and ensure they live in a safe and healthy environment.
Most importantly, “it takes a village to raise a child.”
We have a moral obligation to help provide and positively impact the life of a child, to help them thrive, grow, and succeed.
I implore you today, to search within your soul. Ask yourself, “What you can do to assist in shaping the life of a child, or ways you can support a single parent or cause?
“Let us be the change we want to see.”
To find out more about how you can volunteer or donate to our organization, email: cocabahamas@gmail.com.
#wewontrest
Shervonne Hollis
Co-founder, President, Save Our Children Alliance
Vice-President, Coalition of Child Advocates
