The puppets are an effective way of reaching out to children.

The flier with the month-long list of activities.

According to Mrs. Stoutt-James, in 2011 the department received 38 reports of various types of abuses – 17 sexual – one male and 16 females, six for neglect, four verbal and 11 physical.

“It was the first time [sexual abuse] ever superseded the other types of abuses,” Stoutt-James told this news agency. “And we think the number of sexual abuse is coming to light because of our awareness programmes.”

The figures for 2012 are not available as yet.

However, the perpetrators when caught face the full force of justice, the Supervisor noted.

Over the past three years, the SDD with the assistance from the police has been successful in putting 15 individuals behind bars for assault related offences.

“Fourteen of those were of a sexual nature and one physical...two out of the 15 convictions were made in the Magistrate’s Court and 13 in the High Court,” Stoutt-James stated.

She also acknowledged that the SDD’s continuous efforts to spread the message in keeping the children safe play a vital role in children coming forward. The puppet show, she explained is an effective way to show the students how to keep their bodies safe.

“We are going to pre-schools and schools on Tortola and the sister islands with the puppets because as you know the Department is currently observing the 9th Annual Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month, which is held being under the theme, A Community In Action: Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Wellbeing.”

A number of activities have been planned to commemorate the month including the Blue Drive or Wear Blue on April 20, 2012. This is to show the victims of abuse, Stoutt-James explained, that the community is rallying behind them.

The month climaxes on April 28 at 5.30 a.m. with a Run/Walk in support of victims of child abuse, with the Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie Skelton delivering remarks.

Meanwhile, the Supervisor of the Family and Children Services disclosed that the SDD’s goal for 2012 is to get the community involved especially care givers and parents to strengthen the family network and prevent child abuse.

“You have to understand child abuse and maltreatment tears away the child’s self esteem and we will continue to communicate with the public that it will not be tolerated,” she added.