CPFSA investigates alleged sexual abuse at Jessie Ripoll Primary
ABIGAIL BARRETT / Our Today
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The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has launched an investigation into an alleged incident of sexual abuse between students at Jessie Ripoll Primary School in Kingston.
The agency has noted deep concern over the matter and has taken steps to provide psychological support to those involved.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, March 11, involved an 11-year-old male student who allegedly pulled a six-year-old female student into an empty classroom after school and assaulted her. Following a report, the CPFSA commenced its investigation on Wednesday, March 12, speaking with both children and their parents.
The six-year-old was referred to the Ministry of Justice’s Victim Services Division for counselling, while the 11-year-old was directed to the Child Guidance Clinic at the University of the West Indies for psychological intervention.
CPFSA Chief Executive Officer Laurette Adams-Thomas stated, “We are deeply troubled by this incident, as a school should be looked at as a safe haven for students, and not one where they should be vulnerable to being sexually abused, especially not by their fellow students.”
She added that after receiving the report through the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) on March 12, the CPFSA initiated its own investigation to determine the best course of action for both children. “The young victim has been referred to the Ministry of Justice’s Victim Services Division for counselling, which has already begun,” Adams-Thomas added.
She further noted that the older child was referred to the Child Guidance Clinic for psychological intervention, acknowledging that he had not yet reached the age of criminal responsibility.
The CPFSA’s investigation remains ongoing, with plans to conduct home visits and community assessments for both children. Additionally, the agency will visit the school to gather further information.
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