By Chinedum Treasure
The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) has condemned all forms of child abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence against children in the South East.
Executive Director of the organisation, Nonso Orakwe, said this on Tuesday while reacting to the recent alleged sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Orakwe described such acts as unacceptable and urged parents, guardians, caregivers, religious and community leaders to take child protection seriously.
He explained that children deserve to grow in safe and caring environments, urging parents, particularly fathers, to be more present and attentive to their children’s wellbeing.
According to him, fatherhood goes beyond financial provision to include building strong relationships with children, listening to them and creating an atmosphere where they can confidently report anything that makes them uncomfortable.
Orakwe also emphasised that domestic workers and house helps are entitled to protection, dignity and care.
He called on members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the police, relevant child-protection agencies or credible organisations.
He further urged law-enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate reported cases, protect victims and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. Silence can put a child at greater risk,” he said.
Tags: #ChildAbuse #ChildProtection #Anambra
