Stand Together Against All Forms of Child Abuse

THURSDAY, 19TH OCTOBER, 2017 – In recognition of Child Month, the Heal with Hope Foundation  (HWHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of child sexual abuse, has further intensified its public sensitization drive about this silent epidemic that is plaguing Grenada.  As October unfolded, the HWHF hosted two panel discussions on Sexual Abuse and the Law within the communities of Mt. Rich and Gouyave, respectively; and, there’s more…

On Thursday, 19th October, the Heal With Hope Foundation embarked upon another initiative, geared towards the protection of children against all forms of abuse. The local foundation, in the spirit of child Month, contracted Grenadian recording artiste – Sonika McKie, and successfully produced a full-length theme song, entitled “Stand Together”.

Within a week, the talented Sonika put pen to paper, and voice to microphone, rendering a captivating track that begs parents to stand together to break the cycle of abuse and save the children; “No more…say no,” she admonishes in song.

The parent-focused song has been made available to the public via various media. The hope of the Foundation is that the various stakeholders, advocates, schools and media will utilize the purpose-filled song to continue the public sensitization on child abuse, especially within the month for the child.

During the month of November, the Foundation will host another 2 panel discussions within the parishes of St. Andrew and St. David. The panel will consist of experts within their respective fields to discuss matters such as the laws and penalties associated sexual offenses; the challenges law-enforcement officers face in the investigating of cases; current practices and strategies utilized regionally and internationally in combatting sexual abuse; and the roles of various organizations in the reporting and investigating of sexual offenses.  Advice would also be provided on the signs to look for which may indicate that a child may be experiencing sexual abuse.

According to Correne George – Founder of the Heal With Hope Foundation, sexual abuse thrives in an environment of secrecy and shame and has become a public health problem that affects both genders and society, in general.  Correne advocates, “With a surge in the number of reported cases it is of utmost importance that the general public is provided with critical information that will assist in reducing their risk of becoming victims to this social ill; the processes as it relates to reporting and handling such cases; and the roles that individuals can play in helping protect their communities and provide support to victims.”

Listen “Stand Together” below or click here to download.