Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) has described Jamaica as an “anti-child society”, warning that children are increasingly being exposed to violence, abuse and neglect in spaces where they should feel safest.

The child advocacy group made the declaration following the death of 10-year-old Troy Primary School student Shani Coke, whose body was discovered in Tyre District, Trelawny, on Tuesday.

HTCC directors Nigel Cooper and Priscilla Duhaney said the tragedy highlights what they believe is a growing national crisis requiring immediate intervention.