Since restrictions were imposed in early March to control COVID-19 spread, the number of child sexual predation and rape in Jamaica and have gone on a rampage. We expect that since people should be focused on following the WHO rules like staying home and staying safe, but our minds were blinded. Why? Because it seems that both predator and prey were left loose on the streets. This essay will highlight the ethical and legal issues arising during this epidemic, and you would work with a client who is a perpetrator.
Rape is an unethical issue that works to discriminate against the legal rights of women in to enjoy their God-given uniqueness of being a woman and leave freely without the fear of being sexually assaulted. However, when these evil deeds target children, it becomes a grave matter. This shows that our society is ethically eroded to the point that retreating may be a big hustle. According to Robinson, the number of rape cases for children below ten years has increased tremendously during the COVID-19 lockdown.
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On normal occasions, according to statistics, children aged between 10 and 14 are the most affected by rape and molestation, but during these unprecedented times, the curve has shifted seeing minors aged between 2 and 10 years being potential victims (Robinson, 2020). It is much daunting to learn that the perpetrators are people close to these children, including relatives. Instead of these people acting as custodians of children's rights, they take advantage of children's naivety to exploit them sexually. The reason the Robinson gives is that since the school was suspended, children have become more exposed to perpetrators who are roaming the street to find the next target. Besides, at least 33 minors have been reported missing since March as per the statement a children’s advocate group in Jamaica, which goes by the name, Hear the Children’s Cry. What is more worrying is that the government is taking little action to curb children's sexual exploitation. It is much caught up in the frenzy of fighting COVID-19 and 'ignoring' other vital sectors like children's rights. There is a set legal system to defend children against sexual predators and abusers in the Caribbean region, but it appears that it is not up to the task during this period (Human Rights Watch, 2020). Only a few cases are being prosecuted, and this escalates the danger that our children are in.
The impartial statement in the legal system states that a suspect is deemed innocent until proven guilty. While child molestation and abuse are a favor-attracting case toward victims, it does not guarantee that the perpetrator's rights are infringed. Firstly, when you are an attorney representing a perpetrator, you are not allowed to allow any contact made by the victim, the victim's family, or investigators. The purpose is to uphold the confidentiality of your client and avoid giving them away because some cases may be mere propaganda marred with malice rather than the need to seek justice. Besides, an attorney is not allowed to take a bribe from the perpetrator or the victim. Doing this will ensure the transparency of the case (Jordan & Lane, 2018). Finally, a perpetrator is not allowed to make contact with the victim because they may influence the trial and witness outcome.
References
Robinson, C., 2020. Sharp increase in minors under 10 being raped - May Pen SMO sounds
alarm over children being viciously abused during COVID-19 lockdown . Retrieved July 30, 2020, from http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20200628/sharp-increase-minors-under-10-being-raped-may-pen-smo-sounds-alarm-over
Human Rights Watch, H., 2020 . COVID-19's Devastating Impact on Children . Retrieved July
30, 2020, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/04/09/covid-19s-devastating-impact-children
Jordan, L., & Lane, M., 2018. Understanding the Legal System When your Child Has Been
Sexually Abused. Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://mcasa.org/assets/files/CSA_Booklet_English.pdf
