The community is invited to participate in the PROTECT THEM Symposium, Saturday February 27th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Church of God New Life Worship Center, 7680 Pembroke Road Miramar, FL 33023. The Symposium is part of The NUH GUH DEH Diaspora Campaign; an initiative to ensure a cohesive effort in combating child sex abuse in the local and international community. The Symposium is one step in organizing and galvanizing communities of color in South Florida and Jamaica towards a greater understanding of child abuse and to begin an open dialogue around an issue that is often repeated across generations.

An important highlight of the discussion will surround child-on-child sex abuse which is on the rise according to the Broward Crime Commission.  In a 2015 news article, the Child Protective Investigations Section at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office reported 593 child-on-child sexual abuse cases in 2014. Data also showed a 100% spike in the number of cases since 2009; children involved are both between the ages of 5 and 8; and 99% of incidents happen during school hours.

“While working primarily with young women here and in Jamaica, our mentors and volunteers have heard some devastating testimonials on the impact of sexual abuse,” said Lavern Deer, committee chair and Jamaica International Female Football Development Inc. (JIFFD) CEO.  “We are eager to continue the dialogue and establish systems and resources for awareness, prevention and ongoing support as we work to provide leadership through athletics to youth.”

Participants are encouraged to RSVP for this free event at: www.eventbrite/protectthemsymposium