Up Close
with Sheelagh Cooper,
Head of the Coalition for the Protection of Children

“It’s not about race its about education”

We recently wrote an article on Child Abuse [Youth News – Bermuda Sun - }We received a lot of feedback with readers writing to the team as far away as America. Serena Brangman one of our senior reporters felt the Team should follow up with an interview with Sheelagh Cooper the head of the Coalition for the protection of Children in Bermuda.

What are the different forms of child abuse?
Physical abuse – purposely injuring a child by hitting, biting, shaking, kicking, burning or throwing objects.

Emotional abuse – crushing a child’s spirit with verbal attacks, threats or humiliation.

Sexual abuse – sexual contact with a child; using a child for sexual films, pictures or prostitution; obscene language; or exposure not involving contact.
Neglect – willfully failing to provide for a child’s emotional needs; failing to offer guidance and supervision.

On average how many calls does the Coalition receive a week?
About 5 a day so I would say approximately 25 per week.

Taking in to account that statistics say that 95% of cases go un-mentioned? Do you think this country is in moral decay?
No I wouldn’t. I would say that w are much more open about these things. What may appear to be increased incidents is actually increased reporting.

We frequently hear elders saying “a good spanking never hurt anyone and the youth today ….”? What do you believe is the right application of physical discipline?
I think positive discipline is a much more effective approach in the long term and that does not involve physical punishment.

Do you think there are income differences of discipline?
Child abuse cuts across all economic lines however the conditions, which people live under the poverty line (20% of youth in Bermuda) certainly exacerbate the problem.

How can we prevent child abuse and what do you feel is at the core?
Education and awareness. We have just finished a film on shaking baby syndrome. We have recently seen some cases and it was a lack of education at the core. The other important component that is very important is anger management and providing good parenting education in the middle school years.

As long as we have a significant densely and populated unsafe housing we will continue to create the conditions that spawn child abuse.

What is your advice to the public?
We are all interconnected in this small island community. When one of us is hurting we all hurt. If we live our lives bearing that in mind we will love and nurture each other in a much kinder and gentler way.

Do you think parents should be penalized by legislation – after all it is their child?
I think that children are not possessions; so you don’t own a child. As a community we have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of every child.

Does the hotline offer confidentiality for the children?
Yes, if the children wish to call and speak to someone but remain anonymous.

239 KIDS Help line for parents

295 1150 Hotline for reporting child abuse