Coaches in St Kitts-Nevis to learn how to spot child abuse

Coaches from the Departments of Sport in St Kitts and in Nevis are set to participate in a one-day workshop that will enhance their ability to identify cases of child abuse and provide assistance to the victims where possible.

The training for the OECS Communication Strategy for Child Abuse in Sports takes place on Monday, 29 January, at the St Kitts Marriott Resort and is organised by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The launch of the communication strategy will take place at the opening ceremony.

Anthony Wiltshire, Director of Sports in the Department of Sports, St Kitts, said that he welcomes the training as coaches from his department interact with children from all over the island on a daily basis.

He added that officials often confront a myriad of challenges when dealing with the children and having the ability to help identify problems, and possibly be a part of the solution is very important.

Wiltshire added that it was also important for the coaches to be reminded of what actions or statements would be considered inappropriate so that they can avoid crossing any lines and intervene if necessary, should any red flags go up concerning the actions of others.

The participants will review topics such as child protection versus child abuse, review of child protection pre-test, and draft a child protection plan.