EDITORIAL - Pimping your child?

The abhorrent crime of child sexual abuse continues to be a menace in Jamaica. From engaging minors in creating pornography to enduring incest by persons within their trusted circle and rape, the horror stories are repeated over and over.

Indeed, the alarming surge in cases of abuse and violence against children and women has led to the enactment of legislation and the creation of protection agencies and other intervention mechanisms to try to deal with the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation.

Recent revelations by the St Thomas police that point to the culpability of mothers in facilitating the sexual abuse of their daughters for financial gain puts a whole new perspective on the problem.

Superintendent Merrick Watson, who raised the concern at a recent forum in the parish, had this to say: "There are a number of parents - and when I say a number, take it from me as the police with the statistics - who are actually pimping out their young girls. They are literally making money off the innocence of their daughters."

Despite Superintendent Watson's failure to disclose any data on the practice or to detail what the police have done to arrest suspects, this newspaper holds that it is an ugly thought that alters the cultural stereotype of a mother as caregiver and protector. Such revelations also help to modify the deeply held social feeling that a sacred bond exists between mother and daughter. How could a mother possibly expose her underage child to sexual exploitation?

The superintendent provided the answer. He said this is done for monetary gain - pure and simple. What about the lessons of modesty, self-restraint and self-respect that little girls were traditionally taught? Are these all forgotten as women try to fill their bellies and flash their shoulder-length weaves?

ERODING VALUES

It is clear that the demands for modern-day necessities, and luxuries, have simply torn apart the seams of the traditional values held by our society.

The result is that more and more people are making illegal choices to justify putting food on their tables. This is why the lottery scam has thrived in all areas, and this also explains why gangs have flourished in certain inner-city communities.

So now, law enforcement is faced with the criminal, colluding parent and the sexual predator. Supposedly, the predator feels that if the parent gives the OK, or if the girl appears willing, the police have no business in the matter. But, as the superintendent warned, persons who engage in sex with minors will go to prison.

The parents should also be made aware that they, too, could be charged for endangering the welfare of their children. Anyone who knows or suspects sexual misconduct involving a child under age 16 should report the matter to the authorities. Children cannot regain their innocence once it is taken away, and these exploited children need the protection of the State.

Because of the shadowy nature of this business, numbers may be hard to come by in order to determine whether pimping mothers is a growing trend in other parishes. In many ways, it is a hidden crime, which needs to be given a bigger play on the national stage. Child-rights advocates and other stakeholders should come together to help the police develop strategies to prosecute these sexual predators and put them out of business.

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