Police concerned about prevalence of sexual offences against children

The police have raised concern over the prevalence of sexual offences against Jamaica's children.

Superintendent of Police in charge of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), Kerry-Ann Bailey, has revealed that between January 1, 2023 and May 12, 2025, 3,014 sexual offences against 2,154 children were reported to the police.

“This isn’t just data, it represents violated lives, stolen childhood and profound trauma inflicted on our most vulnerable. Let me be clear, sexual offences against children, against anyone are heinous crimes, and will not be tolerated in Jamaica,” she said.

She noted that so far this year, 333 cases of sexual offences against children were reported, compared to the 527 cases during the same period in 2023.

She noted that these offences include sexual intercourse with a person under 16, grievous sexual assault and rape. These three categories account for 253 of the 333 reports against children, she said.

Sharing that 10 children have been murdered since the start of this year, Bailey called on all Jamaicans to play their part to protect the nation’s children.

“This demands a collective response from all of us, we cannot do this alone, please be vigilant, pay attention to the children in your communities, if you see something, say something, your awareness, your willingness to report suspicious activities can prevent a child and save a child’s life,” she said.

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