The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand
this afternoon said she strongly believe that much more could have, and should have been done to protect 16 year old Neesa Gopaul by all the authorities, sectors and persons who were aware of the complaints of the young girl.
The Minister said her office has since ordered an internal review of the actions that were taken by her officials following a report that was made that Neesa was being abused.
Minister Manickchand called on all parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, guardians, educators and communities, to come forward with information about child abuse wherever it may be occurring. The system of disclosure she said has worked effectively in the past to protect vulnerable children, and this horrific incident must serve to make various efforts stronger.
The Sexual Violence Act 2010 makes it mandatory for all reports of sexual abuse and violence to be fully investigated at all levels of the social services and criminal justice systems and moreover the laws place a responsibility on many persons to report complaints or suspicions of sexual violence against children
