Child abuse a major concern for N.W.T organizations

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Child abuse is a major concern for organizations in the Northwest Territories, according to the latest newsletter from the Native Women's Association of the NWT (NWANWT).

The NWANWT newsletter, whose mandate was derived from the recommendations of the 1989 child sexual abuse conference and needs assessment study, says the first step of addressing child abuse is through public awareness.

"Public awareness itself acts as a prohibiting agent for offenders. The prospect of being caught and prosecuted will deter some offenders," the newsletter states.

It also states that, "Public awareness programs must be developed in each community to meet cultural, linguistic and literacy realities. Awareness through schools, community meetings and media would be the first step."

The Child Sexual Abuse Planning Committee, whose initial goal is to prevent child abuse and provide direction for the people of the N.W.T., released its progress report for March 1990.

The report suggests that child abuse is a problem that needs to be addressed by both the federal and territorial governments.

The committee is also in the process of developing a set of strategies designed to curtail the increases number of reported child abuse cases.