The harm of just one child is enough for us to speak out! We have to stand up for the rights and protection of children in our country, because they cannot do it for themselves.

Previous generations have failed, and many children were subjected to abuse, predominantly at the hands of people known to them. We can no longer allow these issues to be brushed under the rug and are calling on the government to strengthen related laws:

• Implement a mandatory minimum sentences for crimes against children, including a 25 year minimum sentence for the rape of a child (referred to by Bahamian law as "Unlawful sexual intercourse"). The maximum penalty for rape is up to life imprisonment, but we rarely see sentences of more than a few years. This would change that.
• Courts should grant automatic sentences, without a plea deal option, in cases where a child is raped and physical, video or witness evidence exists
• Increase the age of consent for sex to 18 years old
• Amend the Sex Offender Registry based on suggestions that Rise Bahamas has previously submitted, including making the list public, retroactive, and adding first time offenders to the list
• Mandate comprehensive psychological evaluation, intervention and treatment for those convicted of crimes against children as an aim to prevent repeat offending
• Table "Bella's Bill" in Parliament - our proposed amendment to Section 63 of the Child Protection Act that would expand the categories of stewards of children that are mandated to report suspected child abuse
• ✅ Launch the missing child "Marco Alert" System ✅
• ✅ Establish a sexual offenders registry ✅

Please sign this petition and SHARE so that we can help make child protection a priority in our country!

www.risebahamas.net

Photography by Tanya Maycock