MEMBERS of the LaniKate Task Force gathered in the public hearing room of the Legislature last night for a roundtable discussion on their first report on preventing and reducing child sexual abuse.
The task force, comprised of various government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private companies, last week released its first report to the Office of the Governor and members of the Legislature. Although an oversight hearing originally was scheduled for yesterday, a roundtable discussion was held instead, addressing the issues the task force was faced with.
Task force members who were leaders in education, health, public safety, and the judiciary system all chimed in on the report and made reassurances of their commitment in working together to develop a better grasp of sexual abuse on-island, but it was evident there is still much to do in figuring out where to start or what to prioritize.
There are different aspects to target when it comes to addressing the issue. Some members believe education and awareness are key to preventing child sexual abuse. Some stressed that intervention is important. And others believe that treatment – for both the victims and offenders – is sorely needed, in order to prevent the cycle of abuse.
Dr. Juan Rapadas, psychologist at the Department of Youth Affairs, suggested more intervention and training is needed, as well as working with families that the sex offenders come from.
Dysfunctional
“As far as sex offenders are concerned, what we’ve been finding out over the years is that a lot of these households where the sex offenders come out from ... they’re quite dysfunctional, so any prevention or education is already too late. What we probably do need – prevention and education is already great – is more intervention and a lot more hard work with these parents,” he stated.
Representatives from the Judiciary also pointed out that there needs to be more training or availability of clinicians handling adult sex offenders. Just as victims of abuse need treatment, so do offenders in order to prevent repeat offenses. A suggestion was made where a sex offender should be assessed before sentencing to see if they could be treated.
With all the recommendations discussed last night, the task force will continue to address the gaps in services and treatment before they can target where to execute action. Carlina Charfauros, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General, said the task force is looking at both ends of the spectrum – from victims to offenders – to gain a better understanding of where to start.
