Cops offer advice to kids

(CNS): Officers from West Bay police station have been spending time with young people recently talking to them about child abuse and domestic violence, respect and acceptable behaviour, self-defence and avoiding physical conflict to solve disputes and how to protect themselves as part of Child Month activities. “These issues are crucial to the well-being and development of our young people,” said Chief Inspector Angelique Howell. “We need to highlight the issues that can have an impact on youngsters while at the same time help to equip them with the knowledge and skills to deal with situations that can occur.”

Howell gave her presentation on the impact upon children of domestic violence and abuse to the congregation at John Grey Memorial Church. The presentation covered the forms of domestic violence which take place and how it can impact on a child, the types of child abuse which can occur, how people can help children in need and the services and resources which are available for people to use.

Pastor Yvette Noble-Bloomfield said the talk was well received by the 146 people who were present. “This was a very informative talk,” she said. “Child abuse is something we have traditionally been in denial about and it is essential that we think about these issues, address these issues and surround them with prayer. Since the talk, we have had members of the congregation come forward to request copies of the presentation which is really encouraging. We are hoping this has been an eye opener for people so they can see that there is a real concern for us here in the Cayman Islands.”

Sergeant Forth gave a presentation to year 4-6 students at John A Cumber Primary School on the subject of ‘respect’. Around 250 students listened intently to the talk which was designed to demonstrate respectful and non-respectful behaviour. With the assistance of two students who carried out role plays for the class, he encouraged the group to think about how they would react in certain situations.

Forth also completed a self-defence class at Cayman International School with the help of martial arts practitioner Ian Richards. The presentation was targeted at year 9 high school students and was designed to highlight the importance of avoiding physical conflict. The team stressed that the best defence is not to get into physical conflict situations and to use respect and dialogue for solving issues. Some tactics for preserving personal space and creating distance between you and your attacker so you can run for help were also given.

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477(TIPS). All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.