Human Services Ministry sets up night-time response unit to tackle child abuse

– some 2600 cases recorded in 2025

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry says it has strengthened its response to child abuse cases, with the establishment of a dedicated night-time rapid response unit since 2025. Subject Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) related that the Ministry has recorded significant progress across social protection, early childhood development, women’s empowerment, disability inclusion and child protection during the Government’s first year in office.

“We have been working in the area of child protection, and that is a big area under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. We are working assiduously to make sure our response is rapid. So, from 2025 to 2026, we have started a rapid response unit where there is a dedicated unit at night to respond to cases of abuse for children. In addition to that, we have been working on a number of areas under the family violence umbrella, following on the heels of a 2024 legislation which would have been passed.” Last year, the Ministry has recorded some 2600 child abuse cases with neglect identified as the leading cause, primarily involving mothers and fathers. To address this issue, the Ministry has implemented several targeted interventions, including the Street Light Project, launched three years ago to support children living and working on the streets.