April is being recognised as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said adults hold the responsibility of creating safe spaces for children to speak about their experiences. Photo: Facebook

Everyone is encouraged to wear blue on April 24, 2026, as a visible show of support and solidarity and as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect and care for the children of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source

The minister said this during his address for Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, which is being held in April under the theme ‘Young Voices Dissolve Big Protection’. 

This month “serves as an important reminder that protecting our children is a responsibility that we all share”, Hon Wheatley added, “Children are among the most important members of our society, and their vulnerability calls on us to ensure they are protected, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive.”

Children depend on parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to guide, nurture, and safeguard their well-being, and every child deserves to feel safe at home, in school, and in the community, he said. 

The most important members of society

Children, Hon Wheatley continued, are among the most important members of society, and their vulnerability calls on us to ensure they are protected, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive.

“Sometimes their voices are loud and clear, but at other times they may be quiet, insulting, or expressing ways that require us to listen or observe more carefully. It is our responsibility as adults to create spaces where children feel safe enough to speak up about their experiences.”

The minister added that child abuse can occur in various forms, such as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and even child neglect. 

“The effects can be long-lasting, impacting a child's development, confidence, and overall well-being.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Development, together with its partners, will engage the community through several activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention, designed to encourage open conversation about child safety and to remind us all that safeguarding our children requires collective action.

Your voice matters

Hon Wheatley also encouraged parents and caregivers to continue engaging in open communication with their children. 

“Let them know that their feelings matter and that they can speak to you about anything. To all educators, social workers, and community leaders, thank you for the critical role you play in every day in supporting and protecting our young people.”

To the children and young people of the Virgin Islands, Hon Wheatley said, “Your voices matter. You deserve to be heard, you deserve to be safe, and you deserve to grow up in an environment where you can thrive.”

Let us all commit to being vigilant, compassionate, and proactive in protecting the children of our territory.

The minister called on everyone to wear blue on April 24, 2026, as a visible show of support and solidarity and as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect and care for the children of the Virgin Islands.