The Editor, Sir:

It is not enough to bombard the media when an extreme case of a paedophile attacking a child occurs.

We need to take action by implementing the laws on our books, educating our people and helping the children that have been sexually abused.

Various laws exist on our books to protect our children from sexual abuse. These laws even carry stiff penalties, but they are not being used by the authorities.

As a matter of fact, some of the persons that are supposed to protect are actually the abusers. Do not get comfortable, though! If you know that a child is being sexually abused and ignore it, you are just as guilty.

If a small part of a fruit is spoilt and you do not cut it out, the entire fruit goes bad eventually.

Therefore, report the crime so that action can be taken against the perpetrator. That way we can agitate for their names to be published.

We need to run a series of campaigns to remind our people that an adult and a child in a sexual relationship is wrong.

These campaigns should appeal to the children and adults alike. Victims need to speak up. Talk about the impact of sexual abuse on your life. Use it to wake up the dead consciences in Jamaica. Help people to realise 'a fi wi business' and that the concept of 'mind your own business' does not apply.

I am, etc.,

JAGET GODON

likklefilly@yahoo.com

May Pen, Clarendon