The chief said he receives two to three cases of child abuse each week, though several other cases go unreported. [Photo/ jamicaobserver.com]
Child abuse cases in the Coast region have continued to increase despite measures taken by various stakeholders to tame the vice. Poverty, early marriages, child labour and divorce cases among parents are some of the factors that have been identified as the major causes of violation of children rights in the region. Magarini location chief Katana Shilingi has however said steps are being taken to eradicate the vice.The chief sent a stern warning to salt firms and sand harvesting sites owners, who are said to be engaging in child labour.“Stern action will be taken against those who will be found to have employed children. We already have two cases in court where parents have been charged with child negligence,” said Katana.Katana said the high number of divorce cases in the region was also a contributor to child labour, as children are left with no one to take care of them, and are forced to work so as to fend for themselves. He said he receives two to three cases of child abuse each week, though several other cases go unreported. On his part, Malindi probation Officer Ben Karanja said the situation has not recorded any improvement in the last four years.“The situation is not improving because stakeholders are divided and don’t work as a team. Regarding child abuse and sexual offenses in this area, the community is not taking responsibility as required yet they should be at the forefront,” said Karanja. He said that the perpetrators and victims of child abuse and sexual abuse are known to members of the community, yet residents fail to report such cases to the relevant authorities.Karanja said more than 100 cases have been handled by his office in the last two years but only four have been heard in court and perpetrators slapped with long jail terms. “Cases have been brought to court but have collapsed because of hostile witnesses and stakeholders do not reach out to each other to fast-track the cases,” he added. He said that extensive sensitisation and advocacy initiatives such as the one being undertaken by community groups should be enhanced and expanded to other areas. International Committee for Development of Peoples (CISP), a non-governmental organization, has funded and facilitated five community groups to undertake a study aimed at identifying the issues leading to child abuse and come up with possible solutions.CISP Regional Child Protection Manager Magdalene Muoki said that the initiative was working towards ending child abuse in Magarini Sub-County. “We believe in the community-led action because the community knows the problems facing them and will eventually come up with better solutions to their own problems,” she said. Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Mombasa County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by joining this group and have it published. http://bit.ly/2BipYa6