By A Concerned Advocate for Justice and Healing.
Sexual and child abuse continues to demand national attention. This cannot become another moment of outrage that fades into silence. St. Vincent and the Grenadines must take firmer action to protect the most vulnerable among us — women, girls, boys, and children.
For years, survivors have spoken of grooming, exploitation, and assault in places where they should have been safe — recording studios, vehicles on remote roads, private “counselling” sessions, and situations where help was offered in the form of mentorship, creative opportunities, or school supplies. Some survivors described “deliverance” or “spiritual counselling” that shifted into sexualised conversations, unwanted touching, and inappropriate questioning. In many cases, trust and authority were exploited, and when victims objected, blame was shifted onto them.
Abuse in homes is widespread. Children are often beaten under the guise of discipline, with the phrase “spare the rod and spoil the child” frequently misused to justify violence. Discipline should never leave bruises, fear, trauma, or emotional damage. When a parent or guardian cannot stop abuse, it must be reported.
Schools are a critical line of protection. Teachers are mandated reporters. Warning signs — fear, withdrawal, unexplained injuries, or sudden changes in behaviour — must never be ignored. When adults are silent, children learn that no one will help. Some even express suicidal thoughts at young ages.
Below are anonymised accounts shared by survivors, illustrating the reality many silently carry:
“He tried to have sex with me and I was telling him no, but he still try to go along… He even kissed me… Then I told him I wanna go home.”
“All he talk about is sex — if I watch porn, if I touch myself, if I ever had a threesome… Never met a ……. so yet.”
“…he was completely naked… approached the chair I was sitting in and started humping me…”
Another young woman recalled:
“He lifted me off my feet… my body brush against his private… I kept saying put me down, I’m uncomfortable… then he told me to remove my bra because it was making my dress look bulky.”
A preserved WhatsApp message from an alleged perpetrator later read (paraphrased):
“I placed myself in a compromising situation… should have known better.”
The survivor responded:
“This has nothing to do with being friendly. You kissed me, had me on the bed, asked me to remove my clothing. I said it was wrong, yet now it feels like I’m being made to seem dishonest.”
There was no remorse. Only excuses and blame-shifting — a recurring pattern that pushes many survivors into silence. Fear of backlash, community shame, slow investigations, and cases collapsing continue to protect perpetrators instead of victims. Boys especially remain silent due to stigma surrounding masculinity.
When outrage depends on who the accused is instead of what was done, predators thrive and victims suffer.
It is often said, “it takes a village to raise a child.” But a village must also protect that child. Abuse prevention is not only the duty of families — it requires responsibility from teachers, faith leaders, community members, institutions, and the State. Early intervention saves lives.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has previously recorded one of the highest rape statistics globally, exceeding 100 cases per 100,000 people. Across the Caribbean, 27–45% of women experience partner violence. Many cases here involve minors, often at the hands of someone trusted.
Underreporting remains high due to fear, shame, and mistrust in the justice system. The issue is not only legal — it is cultural, societal, and systemic.
Urgent steps recommended include:
• Faster investigation of reports
• Zero tolerance for victim-blaming
• Monitoring for offenders in authority
• Increased survivor support — shelters, counselling, mental health services
• Education programmes on grooming, boundaries, and consent
Mandatory reporting laws must be enforced. The Family Court needs increased capacity to handle cases swiftly. Survivors must have access to medical examination even beyond regular hours.
A Sexual Offences Registry should be established. Protection orders must be faster to obtain and enforce. The system must prioritise safety over reputation.
To national leaders:
Awareness must become permanent reform. St. Vincent and the Grenadines must be unsafe for perpetrators — and safe for survivors.
To survivors:
You are believed. Support is available through the Crisis Centre (457-2994), the Police Sexual Offences Unit, and trusted advocates. Speak when you are ready — your voice can protect others.
It is time to break this cycle once and for all.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Cliplet News. All content is published in good faith for informational purposes. Cliplet News is not responsible for comments or claims made by contributors or third parties.
