In an effort to combat the pervasive issue of child abuse within the community, the Bekwai Municipal Assembly (BMA) organized a comprehensive educational session on Friday, August 25, 2023. The event, held at Pampaso within the municipality, was facilitated by dedicated officers from the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development (SWCD). Led by Vivian Appiah Kwabi, Evans Owusu Addai, Emmanuel Agyare, Ebenezer Atta Mensah, and Ruth Adutwumwaa, the session aimed to address the causes, effects, preventions, and interventions related to child abuse.
The event commenced with an introduction by the facilitators, who emphasized the importance of safeguarding the well-being of children and fostering a safe environment for their growth and development. Through interactive discussions and informative presentations, attendees were enlightened about the various forms of child abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.
Vivian Appiah Kwabi, one of the SWCD officers, shed light on the root causes of child abuse, highlighting societal factors such as poverty, family dysfunction, and lack of awareness. She stressed the significance of early identification and intervention to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.
Evans Owusu Addai delved into the profound effects of child abuse on victims, emphasizing the long-term psychological and emotional trauma that survivors often endure. He underscored the importance of providing adequate support and counseling services to help affected children heal and reintegrate into society.
Emmanuel Agyare focused on preventive measures, advocating for community involvement and proactive strategies to create safe spaces for children. He encouraged attendees to prioritize education and awareness-raising initiatives to empower both children and adults in recognizing and reporting instances of abuse.
Ebenezer Atta Mensah discussed intervention strategies, emphasizing the role of law enforcement agencies and social welfare organizations in ensuring swift and decisive action against perpetrators of child abuse. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders to provide comprehensive support to victims and their families.
Ruth Adutwumwaa concluded the session by reiterating the collective responsibility of community members in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children. She urged attendees to remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for child protection measures within their respective neighborhoods.
Overall, the educational session organized by the Bekwai Municipal Assembly served as a crucial platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue on the pressing issue of child abuse. By equipping community members with knowledge and resources, the event aimed to empower individuals to actively contribute to the prevention and intervention efforts, ultimately striving towards a safer and more nurturing environment for all children within the municipality.
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