Protecting children from harm is a “vital responsibility” for parents and the community as a whole, says Te Punanga Ora'anga Matutu (TePOM), the Cook Islands men’s counselling centre.

TePOM coordinator Rick Currie said the saying “it takes a community to raise a child” highlights the crucial role that extends beyond the immediate family unit.

“The child’s healthy growth and development are not just the responsibility of the parents or guardians, but require the active participation and support of a wider network of individuals, organisations and government,” Currie said.

He was responding to the sentencing of a man who had been labelled a paedophile by his own defence attorney. Chief Justice Patrick Keane last week sentenced the 57-year-old Yawea Teophilo to 14 years, which was reduced to 13 years and three months after having served jail time earlier. Teophilo was convicted for 47 charges of rape, indecent assault, inducing indecent acts, sodomy and attempted rape on two children below the age of 14 between 2010 and 2019 in Rarotonga.

According to Currie, there are key messages that are useful to raise awareness about the protection of children from sexual predators, including child sexual abuse prevention.

When asked if there could be more child abuse cases in the country, he said: “We are not sure, and it’s better to be prepared and look at doing some awareness and training for our people, children and parents as above involving various communities and stakeholders.”

Currie said that as a community, they need to help safeguard children’s safety and well-being throughout their young lives and suggested taking simple steps to learn more, such as talking to trusted people, doctors and teachers, about the courses at school. He also recommended finding out who can come and talk about all the safety precaution measures and to run some courses in the community.

Currie said TePOM, along with the Ministry of Health, Internal Affairs, the Police and other non-governmental agencies, are organisations that can all contribute to this work.

“There is no shame in seeking help.”

Also read: ‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison

> ‘Generational curse’ of violence – Calls for action to protect children

> Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?

Currie also stated that there are ways to encourage children to express themselves comfortably, learning words such as to say “no, stop” and to learn about good and bad touch. Parents and guardians can also explain about boundaries to the children and that they have a right to say “no” to unwanted touch, especially if and when the child feels uncomfortable, scared, or unsafe around the person.

“There is no easy fix, but there are things that we can all put in place especially those with children, and with everyone’s support we can make a genuine effort towards ensuring the safety of our children and their future is paramount,” Currie said.

“As I said earlier, it takes a village to raise a child, let’s extend that helping hand starting today, set your safety plan at home with your children, and it’s never too late.”

Parents should also have open communication with their children, and their child will feel safe to talk to them about anything, even if it’s uncomfortable, said Currie. 

“Creating a safe environment in the home is another step towards ensuring children feel safe and know they will be listened to without judgement or be shouted at and criticised.

“Feeling safe and supported allows children to know early that they can talk to mum and dad about anything that is bothering them. Regular conversations in the home on this topic helps to ensure that the sexual and safety issues in keeping children safe doesn’t become a taboo subject that can’t be talked about.”

Currie said there also needs to be supervision and the establishment of online boundaries (regarding social media), such as knowing with whom their children can communicate, as they can be very vulnerable.

Parents need to be aware to whom their children are sharing photos to, if any, or intimate information online as well as the apps they use.

“The community leaders, church members and all of us have a very important part to play in our community. We need to be cautious and aware of suspicious activities involving children and report to the appropriate authorities,” Currie added.

“Education and awareness should be provided to support the community efforts through the various church groups, family tribes, through the school’s curriculum and for workshops to be held on child safety and the dangers of sexual abuse as part of the prevention and protection awareness.”

This includes working closely with law enforcement and child protection agencies to share information and helping to strengthen the community with legal information and in the wide efforts, in training the whole of the Cook Islands about the dangers to our children and what to look out for, Currie adds.

If you need help you can contact TePOM on 51622, Te Marae Ora – 25664 or text 54881, CIFWA – 74601, Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) –21133.