National Coordinator, Child Protection Alliance
Photo: CPA
Child Protection Alliance [CPA] has condemned the alleged abuse of a minor by her guardian in a viral video on social media.
“We therefore condemn the alleged act in totality and urge the public to desist from such brutal and gruesome acts against children,” CPA said in a statement on 21st September 2021.
The Alliance demanded a thorough investigation of the matter and a legal action against the accused if found wanting.
“While we thank The Gambia Police Force for their intervention in arresting the suspect, we demand a thorough investigation of the matter. The suspect must be punished in accordance with the law if found guilty of committing the alleged crime,” the statement added.
The CPA statement further reminded parents or guardians to administer domestic discipline in a manner consistent with the inherent dignity of the child without any form of physical or mental abuse of children, in accordance with Section 22 of the Children’s Act 2005.
Meanwhile, Child Protection Alliance urged the public to be vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse at the nearest police station or call the National Child Helpline on 199.
The viral video of the alleged violation of the minor’s right said to have occurred in the West Coast Region attracted the attention of the police; leading to the arrest of a 30-year-old woman suspected of perpetrating the act.
The woman is helping the police in their investigation according to a statement by the law enforcement body issued yesterday.
“The public is hereby duly informed that the woman allegedly seen beating a girl child with a pestle in a video that has gone viral has been arrested and placed in police custody. [Name withheld], a 30-year-old is arrested today Monday 20th September 2021. Her arrest came following a viral video currently in circulation on social media in which she was allegedly seen abusing and beating an eight year old girl with a heavy pestle causing her severe injuries,” the police said in a statement on 2oth September.
According to the preliminary investigations by the police, the girl is not a biological daughter of her alleged abuser, but a child placed under her [alleged abuser] care, said the statement.
It added that the woman claimed that she was angered by the girl’s “failure” to perform a task assigned to her.
The police, in the statement, strongly advised parents to desist from abusing and maltreating children; saying, “there is zero tolerance for such a behaviour”.
The Child Protection Alliance [CPA] comprises many institutions focused on the promotion and preservation of children’s rights in The Gambia.