OCR on child abuse

The Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR) is appealing to members of the public to report known or suspected cases of child abuse.



The call follows a recent case in which an eight year old boy was serious injured after he was doused with kerosene and set on fire by his father.



Children’s Registrar Carla Francis-Edie said it’s important that cases of child abuse be reported in an effort to prevent further abuse or even death.



Mrs Francis-Edie said the OCR or the Child Development Agency can take no immediate action if the matter is not reported.



She said the registry has already received over 800 reports so far this year.



According to Mrs Francis Edie in 2008 more than three thousand 700 child abuse cases were reported.



Mrs Francis-Edie is urging parents to use more humane means of punishing children.



Cases of abuse can be made by calling 1-888-PROTECT or 822-7031.