Criminologist Urges Parents to Report Child Sexual Abuse to Police

Criminologist Dr Jones Opoku-Ware has urged parents and guardians to immediately report suspected cases of sexual abuse involving children to the police rather than attempting to handle such incidents privately.

His call follows the circulation of a video allegedly showing a 24-year-old man confessing to sexually abusing an eight-year-old boy.

A separate video reportedly showed the child’s mother confronting the alleged suspect after learning about the incident. Although the woman warned him against repeating the alleged conduct, Dr Opoku-Ware said such confrontations should not replace formal reporting to law enforcement.

He stressed that involving the police allows suspected perpetrators to be properly investigated and, where the evidence supports the allegations, prosecuted.

The criminologist warned that failing to report sexual abuse could allow offenders to escape accountability and potentially place other children at risk.

He therefore appealed to parents and guardians to make the safety and wellbeing of children a priority by promptly notifying the appropriate authorities whenever abuse is suspected.

Sociologist Justice Siaw also encouraged the public to report sexual abuse cases, cautioning that silence could leave victims exposed while giving perpetrators an opportunity to continue abusing others.

He emphasised that timely reporting and collective action are essential to protecting children and ensuring that those responsible face the consequences of their actions.

Yaw Opoku Amoako

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