Psychologist believes child sex assault cases underreported

Clinical psychologist Dr Paul Smith says that childhood sexual assault in Jamaica is more prevalent than most would care to admit.

"Our communities are grappling with socio-economic challenges that unfortunately create an environment where abuse can flourish," he said. Smith, who practises at the Ward Mount Medical Centre in Mandeville, Manchester, said many cases never surface because victims are often shamed or silenced by those around them.

"I will see clients who have been sexually assaulted probably every two weeks. But most times, I would say about 50 per cent of them come directly and say to you that, 'You know I have been sexually assaulted', but there are others who don't want to put it up front. They will say 'depression', but as a trained psychologist, I know. Sometimes our therapy takes them back to childhood and they realise that some of the issues they are having now is as a result of sexual assault," he said. Smith called for a "community effort" to stem the prevalence of childhood sexual assault.

"Schools, churches, and local organisations need to actively educate children about body safety and foster an environment where speaking out is met with support, not shame. If you have been abused, do not suffer in silence. Reach out to a trusted friend, a counsellor, or a local support centre, because your voice is your first step to reclaiming your power and beginning the journey toward healing," he said. Smith, who has 15 years of experience in his field, opined that the cultural taboo around discussing sexual abuse is one of the greatest obstacles.

"In Jamaica, victims are too often met with blame and disbelief. This silence only protects the abusers and deepens the wounds of those already hurting," Smith pointed out.

"Our legal framework is not adequately prepared to handle these sensitive cases. Victims are caught in a labyrinth of bureaucracy and, all too frequently, victim-blaming." He suggested that children in impoverished or unstable environments are particularly vulnerable.

While noting that there are some resources available like counselling centres, shelters and legal aid, Smith suggested that these are "few and far between".

"For many survivors, accessing help is like searching for a needle in a haystack. The shortage of accessible services leaves many victims with little hope for recovery or justice.

He also indicated that without the proper assistance victims don't normally become wholesome adults and that if the issues are not resolved, they affect interpersonal and personal relationships.

"Sometimes you will see that they are not able to trust anyone, especially when the act was carried out by someone in a place of trust. Some of them might have been sexually assaulted by their stepfather, some by a brother, some by an uncle, some even by a teacher. So if that level of trust, they realise that this trust is broken, they take it into the relationship, intimate or otherwise," he said.

Smith said that the sexual assault may even affect the victim's self-esteem, to the point that they can't even accept compliments.

"Even being intimate to their partner becomes an issue because some of them have flashbacks, and if it's a case where they have not disclosed it to their partner, it makes it even harder because they fear what the partner might think of them, or if the opinion of them might change as a result of them disclosing it."