Senator Angelica O’Donoghue is urging residents across Antigua and Barbuda to take an active role in discussions about child safety as the National Child Protection Town Hall series continues.

O’Donoghue made the appeal after serving as host and moderator of a recent town hall organised by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation. The meeting brought residents, professionals and other stakeholders together to discuss child abuse, protection measures and the responsibility of communities to safeguard children.

The senator said difficult conversations about child abuse must not be avoided because of discomfort.

She described the message from the meeting as straightforward: every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment.

O’Donoghue encouraged residents to attend future town halls when they reach their communities, saying their experiences, concerns and suggestions could help shape practical measures to protect children.

She also stressed that responsibility for child protection extends beyond government agencies, social workers and law enforcement.

Parents, families, teachers, churches, community leaders and other residents all have a role, including recognising warning signs, reporting suspected abuse and ensuring children have trusted adults they can approach for help.

O’Donoghue praised the ministry for taking the discussions into communities and said the initiative should lead to sustained public engagement rather than a single conversation.

She urged residents to participate as the meetings continue, saying stronger community involvement is essential to creating a society where children are seen, heard, valued and protected.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Senator O’Donoghue Calls for Continued Community Engagement on Child Protection.