The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago condemns the incidents of gun violence which have left several children nursing severe gunshot injuries in recent months.
The Authority notes that the increase in gun violence within communities is a threat to the lives and safety of our country’s children. Recent reports indicate that while children were either enjoying playtime, paying respect to the dead or spending quality time with relatives, those periods of innocence, fun and everyday routines have been marred by gun violence, leaving children and their families traumatised.
These acts of violence also underscore the need for society to restore the “village” within our communities. Therefore, the Authority is appealing to the public to contact the relevant agencies including the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service if they are concerned about their safety. The gun violence pervading communities can leave parents, guardians and the country by extension, wondering how to keep children and families safe. While the Authority has been engaging the public through various mediums on how to prevent child abuse, greater dialogue and collaboration is now a necessity within communities and among agencies to determine how to stem this tide of violence and make our communities safe spaces for our children.
The Authority’s Emergency Response Team continues its outreach to affected families to provide support and the required psychosocial intervention and support. The Authority will continue to collaborate with its key stakeholders within the child protection sector to ensure the most favourable outcomes for our nation’s children.
The public is reminded to contact the following agencies for support:
• Childline: 131
• National Family Services: 623-2608 ext. 6705
• Children’s Authority: 996
• Trinidad and Tobago Police Service: 999
• Gender-Based Violence Unit: 555
