The Human Services and Social Security Ministry has issued a strong and unequivocal condemnation of the alarming rise in the retraumatisation of child victims of sexual violence and assault. This deeply concerning trend demands immediate and decisive action from law enforcement and the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). The ministry on Wednesday highlighted an urgent issue: the misuse of social media by self-styled “influencers” and “social activists,” whose actions, however well-intentioned they may appear, cause irreversible harm to already vulnerable children.
Recent social media posts and interviews have surfaced, purportedly to raise awareness about alleged cases of sexual violence and abuse. However, rather than serving the interests of justice or child welfare, these posts have often inflicted additional harm. By publicly exposing young victims and compelling them to recount their trauma before an online audience, these individuals are exacerbating the very suffering they claim to fight against. Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has since categorically condemned this practice, calling it both “despicable” and “reprehensible.”
“Retraumatising a child is not right, irrespective of who you are. I have noticed persons bringing children on social media to recount their abuse; this act is not only despicable but also reprehensible and must cease immediately,” the minister declared.
It is imperative that the public recognises the devastating emotional and psychological toll that retraumatisation imposes on child victims. Forcing a child to repeatedly relive their trauma in a public forum does not aid justice—it undermines it. The failure to report abuse through the appropriate channels not only prolongs a child’s suffering but also creates unnecessary delays in seeking justice. In the most egregious cases, such exploitation may even compromise legal proceedings, making it more difficult to secure convictions against perpetrators.
To address this issue, the ministry has introduced a series of robust reporting mechanisms focused on prioritising the safety and well-being of child victims. Upon receiving a report of suspected abuse, the CPA will promptly intervene to ensure that affected children receive expert and compassionate care. A key element of this approach is the forensic interview process—an internationally recognised best practice, carried out by trained professionals in a secure and private environment. This method is carefully designed to reduce additional psychological trauma while safeguarding the integrity of the child’s testimony.
Persaud has emphasised the importance of respecting and protecting vulnerable children. “This specialised process is specifically designed to minimise the risk of retraumatisation and prioritise the child’s emotional and psychological welfare,” she stated. The government has made significant strides in improving support structures for victims, and these efforts must not be undermined by irresponsible social media behaviour.
A child’s traumatic story is not a commodity to be traded for social media engagement, popularity, or personal validation. The well-being of our children must take precedence over all other considerations. Those who exploit children under the guise of advocacy must be held accountable. True activism demands responsible action, not public spectacle.
As a society, we have a moral and legal obligation to protect our most vulnerable. This means recognising that the right course of action is to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities, rather than sensationalising these deeply personal experiences online.
The exploitation of child victims must end. As a society, we have a moral duty to protect them from further harm by ensuring ethical and responsible support. Law enforcement, advocacy groups, the media, and the public must work together to prevent retraumatisation and uphold the dignity of every child. Only through compassion, discretion, and integrity can we truly safeguard their rights and build a future free from abuse.
