Sexual abuse concerns among youth to be addressed

Medical officials are one step closer to working in tandem with cases of sexual abuse and other gynaecological incidents in teens.

And come September, one doctor will be pursuing a one-year fellowship in Adolescent Gynaecology, at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, to deal with such incidents.

Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Dr. Clyde Cave, says it is one of the ways to combat issues of child abuse, even though they are not aware of how many incidents there are.

Dr. Cave told CBC News, that this particular area was very specialised and required someone with a particular skill set, in addition to those working in social services and psychology.

Dr. Cave added that in a small country setting such as Barbados, officials will never be able to justify four specialists in adolescent gynaecology.

But the returning doctor will, in addition to seeing cases, be responsible for a programme and in turn train other doctors in the field, and by extension a full team of medical professionals to work alongside the Child Protection Act.

However, Dr. Cave made it clear that the doctor will not only focus on sexual abuse, but will encompass any issue in young women, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, congenital malformations, and other adolescent issues.

CBC understands the Child Protection Bill, 2023, which was first made public in February 2023, was sent to a select committee for review, and is now back in Parliament to be debated.

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