Child Abuse: CATYCOI Demands Greater Parental Vigilance Across Southeast

By Praise Chinecherem

The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) has called for heightened parental vigilance and stronger child-protection measures across the Southeast, warning that abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence against children must not be tolerated.

The group’s Executive Director, Nonso Orakwe, made the call on Tuesday while reacting to growing concerns over reported cases of child abuse in the region, including the alleged sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Orakwe described the reported incident as disturbing and unacceptable, urging parents, guardians, caregivers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to take greater responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of children.

“Children are among the most vulnerable members of society. They deserve to grow in environments where they are safe, loved, protected and treated with dignity,” he said.

Orakwe expressed particular concern over reports of abuse occurring within homes and other environments where children are expected to be safest.

“CATYCOI is particularly concerned about the increasing reports of abuse involving children within homes and other environments where they are expected to be protected,” he said.

He urged parents, especially fathers, to become more actively involved in their children’s lives, stressing that effective parenting goes beyond financial provision.

“We especially call on fathers to be more present and intentional in the lives of their children—both male and female.

“Fatherhood is not only about providing financially; it also involves building strong relationships, listening to children, understanding what they are experiencing and creating an atmosphere where they can confidently speak when something is wrong,” Orakwe said.

He also stressed that children living in households as domestic workers or house helps should receive the same protection, dignity and respect as every other child.

“Every child living in a household, including domestic workers and house helps, deserves protection, dignity, care and respect,” he added.

The CATYCOI executive director urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse promptly to the police, relevant child-protection agencies or credible organisations working to safeguard children.

“Do not ignore warning signs or keep silent when a child’s safety is at risk,” he warned.

Orakwe further called on law-enforcement and child-protection authorities to thoroughly investigate reported cases, protect victims and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. Silence can put a child at greater risk. Let us speak up, report abuse and create safer homes and communities for every child in the Southeast,” he said.

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