Young disturbed by report of guard raping minor at safe house

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National Security Minister Stuart Young says he hopes the necessary criminal charges will be brought against a private security-firm officer who is alleged to have raped a young female at a state safe house.

He commented on the issue yesterday when asked by the United National Congress’ Wade Mark about reports of rape and abuse of children at a state safe house run by the Children’s Authority. The story was reported exclusively by the T&T Guardian on Monday.

Young said there was only one recent report – not plural reports. He said that report was very tragic, disturbing and upsetting and involved the young female being abused by a private sector security guard at a safe house.

“This is receiving Government’s full attention through the OPM’s Gender and Child Affairs Ministry and the Children’s Authority. The officer was removed from duty,” Young said.

He said the Children’s Authority is probing the allegation of misconduct by the security officer attached to an external service provider. The T&T Police Service’s Child Protection Unit is also investigating the allegations, he said.

Young said the Children’s Authority continues to seek the interest of those placed in its care.