The teenage boys who were taken into custody over the weekend for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl on camera have been hit with several charges. According to a news report, citing formation from The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), the police discovered that the teenage boys lured the schoolgirl to a house during their investigation. Inside the house, she was recorded being physically abused while they sexually assaulted her.
The video has been circulating the internet since it surfaced online sometime last week. Following the arrest of the teenage boys, they were charged with multiple offences, which include rape, forcible abduction, knowing and producing child pornography and distributing child pornography.
Meanwhile, the 13-year-old girl is being assisted with psychological intervention by the CPFSA. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, she also has a medical assessment scheduled for today.
The report further stated that CPFSA became aware of the video Saturday morning and met with the teenage girl on Sunday. CPFSA had a brief counselling session was held with the victim and her family on Sunday.
Laurette Adams-Thomas, head of the CPFSA, condemned the actions of the teenage boys and stated that the girl was “referred to the Victims Services Division for additional support.” While indicating that the violence children are displaying is deeply concerning, she noted children are imitating the violence that plagues communities.
“We must teach our boys that masculinity is not synonymous with abuse,” she told the Jamaica Gleaner while emphasizing that such violence should not be condoned. Adams-Thomas urged persons to are urged to report child abuse via WhatsApp or text at 876-878-2882 or call 211, a 24-hour child abuse hotline. Individuals who know of someone suffering from child abuse can also visit any of the CPFSA offices, reach out through social media @cpfsajm or email [email protected].
