‘Protect identity of child victims’ — Dr. Persaud warns public

Children have a right to be protected from all forms of abuse — and, in cases where abuse occurs, from being publicly identified.

This reminder came from Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who has issued a stern warning to members of the public against posting the names or photos of child abuse victims on social media.

Speaking to residents of Wales, Essequibo Islands–West Demerara, Dr. Persaud said such actions can cause further harm to already traumatized children.

“When you post a child up, what happens to that child? The child goes to school. The child lives in a community. The child is shamed, taunted. When that happens, the child crawls back into his or her shell and they may not want to say another word to anyone,” Dr. Persaud stressed.

She cautioned that public exposure could lead to a lifetime of stigma, discrimination, and emotional withdrawal.

“Also, the child could be bullied. The child can experience what you call re-traumatization. In other words, you make them feel the pain all over again, because you put their picture all the way up to the public. When you put it on social media, it’s not only communities but it’s the whole country looking at it. Beyond the country — the whole world. And when you put a picture up there, it remains there, even if you delete it,” she explained.

Dr. Persaud urged parents and residents to report all instances of abuse to the relevant authorities, especially when such information comes from children.

She further reminded that reports can be made through the toll-free 914 hotline, which operates 24/7. Once a report is made, the Child Care and Protection Agency is mandated to investigate and take appropriate action.