Teen boys charged for video-recorded sexual assault, CPFSA condemns incident

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says the teen boys seen in a video sexually assaulting a schoolgirl have been charged with several offences including rape, forcible abduction, knowing and producing child pornography and distributing child pornography.

The video, which came to light sometime last week and has been circulated on social media platforms, shows the 13-year-old girl being physically abused, while being sexually assaulted by the boys.

The CPFSA says investigations revealed that the group of male students allegedly lured the schoolgirl to a house, where she was sexually assaulted, and the act was recorded.

It says the girl is to receive a medical assessment today.

The agency says it has intervened in the matter and is currently providing psychological intervention for the teenage girl.

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“We were made aware of the video early Saturday morning, on November 23, 2024. Our investigating team located the victim and her family and met with them on Sunday, November 24, 2024, where brief counselling was provided. The child was referred to the Victims Services Division for additional support,” Laurette Adams-Thomas, head of the CPFSA explained.

She said the CPFSA strongly condemns the despicable act that was committed against the girl.

"The levels of violence we continue to see being displayed by our children are of grave concern. Sadly, this also seems to be a reflection of the violence and disrespect towards women and girls that permeate our society. We need to do more now, to protect our children and future. These kinds of maladaptive behaviours in our schools and communities must not be condoned and we must teach our boys that masculinity is not synonymous with abuse,” Adams-Thomas said.

Adams-Thomas further sought to remind and encourage persons to report all forms of child abuse using the 24 hour child abuse reporting hotline 211. She also noted that child abuse reports may be made through WhatsApp/text at 876-878-2882, e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm or by visiting any CPFSA parish office, or through our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @cpfsajm.